appliance

[ uh-plahy-uh ns ]

/ əˈplaɪ əns /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR appliance ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use.

a piece of equipment, usually operated electrically, especially for use in the home or for performance of domestic chores, as a refrigerator, washing machine, or toaster.

the act of applying; application.

Archaic. a measure; stratagem.

Obsolete. compliance.

verb (used with object), ap·pli·anced, ap·pli·anc·ing.

to equip with appliances: a fully applianced kitchen.

Nearby words

appleseed, johnny, applet, appleton, appleton layer, appley, appliance, appliance garage, applicable, applicant, application, application program

Origin of appliance

First recorded in 1555–65; apply + -ance

Related forms

re·ap·pli·ance, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for appliance

So what, exactly, had happened, how did Proofpoint figure it out, and what should appliance owners around the world do now?
Your Refrigerator Is Vulnerable to a Cyberattack|Kevin Epstein|January 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The animal rescue unit was stood down before it reached Bucklebury and the appliance returned home.
Drama As Kate’s Other Baby Gets Its Head Stuck in Gates|Tom Sykes|July 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It kind of looks like an appliance you would legitimately have in your kitchen.
Easy-Bake Oven Mans Up: Hasbro to Manufacture Boy-Friendly Design|Abigail Pesta|December 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Every appliance made to individual measurements and sent direct from Marshall.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science February 1930|Various

This appliance consisted of merely a glass jar, coated on the outside and the inside with tin foil.
Invention|Bradley A. Fiske
The second method is to attack the submarines with every appliance that science can produce.
The Journal of Submarine Commander von Forstner|Georg-Gnther von Forstner
Therefore, there is no one kind of appliance which appeals equally to all individuals.
Sharps and Flats|John Nevil Maskelyne
Here, as well as at the Basin, bath-houses have been provided with every appliance for those who seek health or merely pleasure.
Among the Canadian Alps|Lawrence J. Burpee

British Dictionary definitions for appliance

appliance

/ (əˈplaɪəns) /

noun

a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically

any piece of equipment having a specific function

a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose

another name for a fire engine

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for appliance

appliance

[ ə-plī′əns ]

n.

A dental or surgical device designed to perform a therapeutic or corrective function.