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 devices
Contemporary Examples
But without any peace talks on the horizon, everyone is now left to their own devices.
Users “should be allowed to use these devices and services the way they were intended,” Brookman says.
How ‘Ethical’ Hotel Chain Marriott Gouges Guests in the Name of Wi-Fi SecurityKyle Chayka
December 31, 2014
Passengers were asked to make sure their phones and other devices were charged so that they could be switched on for inspection.
But could it be that these devices are actually bringing us closer together?
By the end of the year, the agency is expected to issue similar recommendations for devices already on the market.
Historical Examples
She had been left completely, to her own devices when she was not wanted about the house.
Her Father's DaughterGene Stratton-Porter
Two devices by which they may be made to stay in the hat are here shown.
A Woman TenderfootGrace Gallatin Seton-Thompson
All my devices of horse-hair and deer-hide snares were foolishness in their sharp eyes.
In the ValleyHarold Frederic
It might be that he thought it wisest not to leave her in London to her own devices.
In the ValleyHarold Frederic
Have you fought them for ten years without learning their devices?
Old Greek Folk Stories Told AnewJosephine Preston Peabody
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 devices
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 devices
device
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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.