appliance

American  

[uh-plahy-uhns] / əˈplaɪ əns /

noun

1. an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use.

2. a piece of equipment, usually operated electrically, especially for use in the home or for performance of domestic chores, as a refrigerator, washing machine, or toaster.

3. the act of applying; application.

4. Archaic. a measure; stratagem.

5. Obsolete. compliance.

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verb (used with object)

applianced, appliancing

1. to equip with appliances.

   a fully applianced kitchen.

appliance British  

/ əˈplaɪəns /

noun

1. a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically

2. any piece of equipment having a specific function

3. a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose

4. another name for a fire engine

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Other Word Forms

• reappliance noun

Etymology

Origin of appliance

First recorded in 1555–65; apply + -ance

Example Sentences

They added the area was still best avoided, with four appliances working from behind the building on Belle Vue Road.

From BBC

It's a byproduct of the production of natural gas and is used in the manufacture of semiconductor wafers, which are then processed into the microchips used in computers, vehicles and household appliances.

From BBC

WSJ | Buy Side: From top-rated kitchen appliances to smart tech gear, these are the discounts worth shopping from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Beijing-based firm, one of the world's largest smartphone makers, has expanded rapidly since its launch in 2011 to produce home appliances and electric vehicles and is now eyeing the artificial intelligence market.

From Barron's

The company said revenue from certain lifestyle products, large home appliances and televisions in China fell due to intensifying competition and lower national subsidies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• device
• gadget
• instrument
• tool