device
[dih-vahys]
- a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
- a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.
- a crafty scheme; trick.
- a particular word pattern, figure of speech, combination of word sounds, etc., used in a literary work to evoke a desired effect or arouse a desired reaction in the reader: rhetorical devices.
- a mobile device: Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center. Don't leave your devices in a hot car.
- something elaborately or fancifully designed.
- a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.
- a motto.
- Archaic. devising; invention.
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Origin of device
1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis division, discourse and devise heraldic device, will; both < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus; see division
Synonyms
See more synonyms for device on Thesaurus.com1. gadget. 2. project, design. 3. wile, ruse, artifice, stratagem, maneuver. 8. slogan, legend.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for device
Contemporary Examples
Employees strap a device to their heads and power a helicopter drone with their minds.
In that case the device was to put the genius in opposition to a majority of established cultural tastes and codes.
Once a month he attaches a device to his chest, clamps metal bracelets on his wrists, and hooks the whole thing up to a telephone.
Paul has consistently used Benghazi as a device to stake out high ground on foreign policy.
Now you can scroll to the next direction on your recipe without getting batter or sauce all over your device.
The Daily Beast’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Richard Hendriks in Your LifeAllison McNearney
November 29, 2014
Historical Examples
If the oven is to be used, a device that fits the oven should be employed.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
In using this device, only a coal or a wood stove is practical.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
They used every device of ingenious minds to push the siege.
The Rock of ChickamaugaJoseph A. Altsheler
He was about to slip the device into his pocket when he stiffened involuntarily.
The Pilot's Assister is the official name of the new English device.
device
- a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance
- euphemistic a bomb
- a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick
- any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery
- computer hardware that is designed for a specific function
- a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc
- a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader
- archaic the act or process of planning or devising
- leave someone to his own devices to leave someone alone to do as he wishes
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see devise
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
Word Origin and History for device
n.
late 13c., from Old French devis "division, separation, disposition, wish, desire; coat of arms, emblem; last will," from deviser "to divide, distribute" (see devise). Sense of "method by which something is divided" arose in French and led to modern meaning.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
device
(dĭ-vīs′)- A contrivance or an invention serving a particular purpose, especially a machine used to perform one or more relatively simple tasks.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Idioms and Phrases with device
device
see leave to someone's own devices.
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.