device

[dih-vahys]

noun

1. a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.

   Synonyms: gadget

2. a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.

   Synonyms: design, project

3. a crafty scheme; trick.

   Synonyms: maneuver, stratagem, artifice, ruse, wile

4. 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.

5. a mobile device.

   Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center.

   Don't leave your devices in a hot car.

6. something elaborately or fancifully designed.

7. a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.

8. a motto.

   Synonyms: legend, slogan

9. Archaic.,  devising; invention.

device

/ dɪˈvaɪs /

noun

1. a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance

2. euphemistic,  a bomb

3. a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick

4. any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery

5. computer hardware that is designed for a specific function

6. a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc

7. a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader

8. archaic,  the act or process of planning or devising

9. to leave someone alone to do as he wishes

Other Word Forms

• deviceful adjective
• devicefully adverb
• devicefulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of device¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis “discourse, division” and devise “heraldic device, will,” both from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus “divided, separated”; divisible

Word History and Origins

Origin of device¹

C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see _devise

Idioms and Phrases

see leave to someone's own devices.

Example Sentences

The dieselgate scandal first emerged in September 2015, when the US Environmental Protection Agency accused Volkswagen of installing software - known as "defeat devices" - on diesel cars to lower readings of the cars' nitrogen oxide emissions.

Read more on BBC

This is because security updates will stop, making devices more vulnerable to attack.

Read more on BBC

Most smartphones, digital devices and even modern cars will adjust the time automatically when GMT begins.

Read more on BBC

After police tapped an audio device in Hayes' car, they realised weapons had been hidden behind a false wall inside a flat.

Read more on BBC

In this setup, light is not forced through specific routes; instead, it moves naturally through the device, guided by basic thermodynamic behavior.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• accessory 
• apparatus 
• appliance 
• equipment 
• gadget 
• gear 
• machine 
• material 
• mechanism