device

American  

[dih-vahys] / dɪˈvaɪs /

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.

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device British  

/ 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

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device Idioms  

1. see leave to someone's own devices.

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Other Word Forms

• deviceful adjective
• devicefully adverb
• devicefulness noun

Etymology

Origin of device

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

Example Sentences

Six years on, she has participated in a nationwide NHS trial testing a new "at home" device that it's hoped could help stroke survivors regain hand and arm movement.

From BBC

Two-thirds of Santé’s investments are in biotech and medtech startups, whose drugs and devices seek to beat back the biological causes of disease.

From The Wall Street Journal

The agreement would have allowed agencies working with Flock to retrieve video captured on Ring devices, if needed for investigations and allowed by customers.

From BBC

The loan "offers citizens the opportunity to participate directly in financing its cash flow needs related to essential healthcare purchases: medicine, medical devices, vaccines, and sampling equipment", the Basque Coast hospital said.

From Barron's

I love a bildungsroman as a novel conceit and as a framing device.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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