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puzzle box

American  

noun

Psychology.
  1. an enclosure, used in experiments in animal learning, from which an animal must escape or in which it must manipulate various devices.


Etymology

Origin of puzzle box

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Squirrels should be smart enough to take the easy pickings over the puzzle box.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

Led by Dr Alice Bridges and Professor Lars Chittka , the research team designed a two-step puzzle box requiring bumblebees to perform two distinct actions in sequence to access a sweet reward at the end.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2024

This puzzle box of a play conceals conspiracies inside a master conspiracy.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2024

To carry out the study, the scientists created a puzzle box that could be opened by rotating a lid to access a sugar solution.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2023

Once I’ve worn myself out, I point to the puzzle box.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

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