device
Other forms: devices
A device is really anything that has a specific use. It might be a tool or object, or a plan that is devised to accomplish something. If it has a purpose, it is a device.
A device is a noun that can be used to describe anything, simple or complex, that is used for a specific purpose. You might have one device for opening bottles, and another for opening cans. You probably even have a device for turning on your TV. While these have specific names (bottle opener, can opener, remote), you can cover each with the generic term device. We can see its root in the Old French word devis, which meant “purpose” or “contrivance.”
Definitions of device
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an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose“the device is small enough to wear on your wrist”“a device intended to conserve water”types:acoustic devicea device for amplifying or transmitting soundadapter, adaptordevice that enables something to be used in a way different from that for which it was intended or makes different pieces of apparatus compatibleafterburnera device injects fuel into a hot exhaust for extra thrustagglomeratora device that causes material to gather into rounded ballsaerofoil, airfoil, control surface, surfacea device that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding air; can lift or control a plane in flightappliance, contraption, contrivance, convenience, gadget, gismo, gizmo, widgeta small mechanical device or toolaspergill, aspersoriuma short-handled device with a globe containing a sponge; used for sprinkling holy waterautomatic pilot, autopilot, robot pilota navigational device that automatically keeps ships or planes or spacecraft on a steady coursebait, decoy, luresomething used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killedbilliard markera device for keeping the score in a game of billiardsblowera device that produces a current of airbootjackhas V-shaped notch for pulling off bootsbreathalyser, breathalyzera device that measures chemicals (especially the alcohol content) in a person's expired breathbreathing apparatus, breathing device, breathing machine, ventilatora device that facilitates breathing in cases of respiratory failurebubblerany of various devices in which air or some other gas is bubbled through a liquidclip-ona device (as an earring, sunglasses, microphone etc.) that is attached by clipscomba flat device with narrow pointed teeth on one edge; disentangles or arranges hairconductora device designed to transmit electricity, heat, etc.birth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, preventative, preventive, prophylactic devicean agent or device intended to prevent conceptioncorera device for removing the core from applescrushera device that crushes somethingcryptographa device for deciphering codes and cipherscutoffa device that terminates the flow in a pipedamper, mufflera device that decreases the amplitude of electronic, mechanical, acoustical, or aerodynamic oscillationsdeflectora device intended to turn aside the flow of something (water or air or smoke etc)dental appliancea device to repair teeth or replace missing teethdepressora device used by physician to press a part down or asidedetector, sensing element, sensorany device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive mannerdiestocka device that holds the dies that cut external threads on metal cylindersdrive(computer science) a device that writes data onto or reads data from a storage mediumelastic deviceany flexible device that will return to its original shape when stretchedelectrical devicea device that produces or is powered by electricityelectronic devicea device that accomplishes its purpose electronicallyexercise devicea device designed to provide exercise for the userexplosive devicedevice that bursts with sudden violence from internal energyfana device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfacesfilterdevice that removes something from whatever passes through itasphyxiator, extinguisher, fire extinguishera manually operated device for extinguishing small firesflarea device that produces a bright light for warning or illumination or identificationfumigatora device that generates a gas for the purpose of disinfecting or eradicating pestsgas fixturea device to convey illuminating gas from the pipe to the gas burnergroovera device that makes grooves by cutting or punchingheat exchangerdevice that transfers heat from one liquid to another without allowing them to mixholding devicea device for holding somethinghorna device having the shape of a hornfoil, hydrofoila device consisting of a flat or curved piece (as a metal plate) so that its surface reacts to the water it is passing throughimprinta device produced by pressure on a surfaceindicatora device for showing the operating condition of some systeminstrumenta device that requires skill for proper useinterruptera device for automatically interrupting an electric currentjiga device that holds a piece of machine work and guides the tools operating on itkeymetal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotatedkeyboarddevice consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the likeKinetoscopea device invented by Edison that gave an impression of movement as an endless loop of film moved continuously over a light source with a rapid shutter; precursor of the modern motion picturelifta device worn in a shoe or boot to make the wearer look taller or to correct a shortened leglifting devicea device for lifting heavy loadsmachineany mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasksmagnet(physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic fieldmechanismdevice consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some functioninstrument, musical instrumentany of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or soundsnest eggdevice consisting of an artificial egg left in a nest to induce hens to lay their eggs in itnoisemakera device (such as a clapper or bell or horn) used to make a loud noise at a celebrationoptical devicea device for producing or controlling lightoverridea manually operated device to correct the operation of an automatic devicepaper feeda device for inserting sheets of paper into a printer or typewriterpeelera device for peeling vegetables or fruitspick, plectron, plectruma small thin device (of metal or plastic or ivory) used to pluck a stringed instrumentPTO, power takeoffa device that transfers power from an engine (as in a tractor or other motor vehicle) to another piece of equipment (as to a pump or jackhammer)pulla device used for pulling somethingreflectordevice that reflects radiationresetdevice for resetting instruments or controlsrouter(computer science) a device that forwards data packets between computer networksrunnerdevice consisting of the parts on which something can slide alongscratchera device used for scratchingshoehorna device used for easing the foot into a shoeshoetreea wooden or metal device that is inserted into a shoe to preserve its shape when it is not being wornshooting stickdevice that resembles a spiked walking stick but the top opens into a seatshreddera device that shreds documents (usually in order to prevent the wrong people from reading them)signaling devicea device used to send signalssnowshoea device to help you walk on deep snow; a lightweight frame shaped like a racquet is strengthened with cross pieces and contains a network of thongs; one is worn on each footsoundera device for making soundingssource of illuminationany device serving as a source of visible electromagnetic radiationstemmera device for removing stems from fruit (as from grapes or apples)straightenera device for straighteningstylusa needle attached to the cartridge of a record playersuction cupa cup-shaped device (made of rubber, glass, or plastic) that produces a partial vacuum; used to adhere or draw something to a surfacesupportany device that bears the weight of another thingsweatboxa device that causes tobacco leaves or fruit or hides to sweatsynchroflasha device used in photography to synchronize the peak of a flash with the opening of the camera shuttertake-upany of various devices for reducing slack (as in a sewing machine) or taking up motion (as in a loom)teasera device for teasing wooldart thrower, spear thrower, throwing board, throwing sticka device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or speartiltera device for emptying a cask by tilting it without disturbing the dregspair of tongs, tongsany of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks belowtoya device regarded as providing amusementtrapa device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and pennedtriggera device that activates or releases or causes something to happenvalvedevice in a brass wind instrument for varying the length of the air column to alter the pitch of a tonevaporiser, vaporizera device that puts out a substance in the form of a vapor (especially for medicinal inhalation)ventilatora device (such as a fan) that introduces fresh air or expels foul airwashboarddevice consisting of a corrugated surface to scrub clothes onwater coolera device for cooling and dispensing drinking wateracoustic storagea storage device consisting of acoustic delay linesactuatora mechanism that puts something into automatic actionaileronan airfoil that controls lateral motionair baga safety restraint in an automobile; the bag inflates on collision and prevents the driver or passenger from being thrown forwardankusan elephant goad with a sharp spike and a hookannunciatoran indicator that announces which electrical circuit has been active (as on a telephone switchboard)answering machinean electronic device that answers the telephone and records messagesaerial, antenna, transmitting aerialan electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signalsAqua-Lung, aqualung, scubaa device (trade name Aqua-Lung) that lets divers breathe under water; scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatusarch supporta support for the arch of the footarrester, arrester hooka restraint that slows airplanes as they land on the flight deck of an aircraft carrierassemblya group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unitattenuatoran electrical device for attenuating the strength of an electrical signalautofocusan optical device for focussing a camera or other instrument automaticallyautomobile horn, car horn, hooter, horn, motor horna device on an automobile for making a warning noiseauxiliary storage, external storage, secondary storagea data storage device that is not the main memory of a computerbackboarda board used to support the back of someone or somethingbackscratchera long-handled scratcher for scratching your backbacteria bedlayer of sand or gravel used to expose sewage effluent to air and the action of microorganismsbaggera machine for putting objects or substances into bagsballast, light ballastan electrical device for starting and regulating fluorescent and discharge lampsbalusterone of a number of closely spaced supports for a railingbanda restraint put around something to hold it togetherbara horizontal rod that serves as a support for gymnasts as they perform exercisesbar magneta magnet in the form of a bar with magnetic poles at each endbarrel organ, grind organ, hand organ, hurdy gurdy, hurdy-gurdy, street organa musical instrument that makes music by rotation of a cylinder studded with pegsbassthe member with the lowest range of a family of musical instrumentsbattery, electric batterya device that produces electricity; may have several primary or secondary cells arranged in parallel or seriesbearinga rotating support placed between moving parts to allow them to move easilybearing wallany wall supporting a floor or the roof of a buildingbedpostany of 4 vertical supports at the corners of a bedsteadbeeper, pageran electronic device that generates a series of beeps when the person carrying it is being pagedbella hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struckbellowsa mechanical device that blows a strong current of air; used to make a fire burn more fiercely or to sound a musical instrumentbellpulla handle or cord that is pulled to ring a doorbell or a servant's bell etc.Bessemer convertera refractory-lined furnace used to convert pig iron into steel by the Bessemer processbimetallic stripa strip consisting of two metals that bends with a rise in temperaturebiprisman optical device for obtaining interference fringesbirdcalla device for imitating a birdcallbite plate, biteplatea removable dental appliance that is worn in the palate for diagnostic or therapeutic purposesbladethe part of the skate that slides on the icebomban explosive device fused to explode under specific conditionsbookenda support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright (on a shelf or table)bracea support that steadies or strengthens something elsebrakea restraint used to slow or stop a vehiclebrakeanything that slows or hinders a processbrake padone of the pads that apply friction to both sides of the brake diskbrake shoe, shoe, skida restraint provided when the brake linings are moved hydraulically against the brake drum to retard the wheel's rotationbrasier, brazierlarge metal container in which coal or charcoal is burned; warms people who must stay outside for long timesbridgea wooden support that holds the strings upbrushconducts current between rotating and stationary parts of a generator or motorbuffer, buffer storage, buffer store(computer science) a part of RAM used for temporary storage of data that is waiting to be sent to a device; used to compensate for differences in the rate of flow of data between components of a computer systemburglar alarma warning device that is tripped off by the occurrence of a burglarybuzzera signaling device that makes a buzzing soundcable, line, transmission linea conductor for transmitting electrical or optical signals or electric powercalendera machine that smooths or glazes paper or cloth by pressing it between plates or passing it through rollerscalliope, steam organa musical instrument consisting of a series of steam whistles played from a keyboardcamera lucidaan optical device consisting of an attachment that enables an observer to view simultaneously the image and a drawing surface for sketching itcapacitance, capacitor, condenser, electrical condenseran electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric chargecarriagea machine part that carries something elsecartridge extractor, cartridge remover, extractora mechanism in a firearm that pulls an empty shell case out of the chamber and passes it to the ejectorATM, automated teller, automated teller machine, automatic teller, automatic teller machine, cash dispenser, cash machinean unattended machine (outside some banks) that dispenses money when a personal coded card is usedcatalytic convertera converter that uses a platinum-iridium catalyst to oxidize pollutants and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water; an antipollution device on an automotive exhaust systemcauterant, cauteryan instrument or substance used to destroy tissue for medical reasons (eg removal of a wart) by burning it with a hot iron or an electric current or a caustic or by freezing itCD drivea drive that reads a compact disc and that is connected to an audio systemCD-ROM drivea drive that is connected to a computer and on which a CD-ROM can be `played'cervical capa contraceptive device consisting of a small thimble-shaped cup that is placed over the uterine cervix to prevent the entrance of spermatozoachainanything that acts as a restraintchucka holding device consisting of adjustable jaws that center a workpiece in a lathe or center a tool in a drillchumbait consisting of chopped fish and fish oils that are dumped overboard to attract fishcircuit, electric circuit, electrical circuitan electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flowclockworkany mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring; resembles the works of a mechanical clockcoelostatoptical device used to follow the path of a celestial body and reflect its light into a telescope; has a movable and a fixed mirrorcoffee filterfilter (usually of paper) that passes the coffee and retains the coffee groundscoila contraceptive device placed inside a woman's wombcollimatoroptical device consisting of a tube containing a convex achromatic lens at one end and a slit at the other with the slit at the focus of the lens; light rays leave the slit as a parallel beamcombera machine that separates and straightens the fibers of cotton or woolcomputer, computing device, computing machine, data processor, electronic computer, information processing systema machine for performing calculations automaticallycomputer keyboard, keypada keyboard that is a data input device for computers; arrangement of keys is modelled after the typewriter keyboardcement mixer, concrete mixera machine with a large revolving drum in which cement is mixed with other materials to make concreteboard, control board, control panel, instrument panel, panelelectrical device consisting of a flat insulated surface that contains switches and dials and meters for controlling other electrical devicesconvectora space heater that transfers heat to the surrounding air by convectioncorkera machine that is used to put corks in bottlescranelifts and moves heavy objects; lifting tackle is suspended from a pivoted boom that rotates around a vertical axiscap, crown, crownwork, jacket, jacket crown(dentistry) dental appliance consisting of an artificial crown for a broken or decayed toothcurrycomba square comb with rows of small teeth; used to curry horsescursor, pointer(computer science) indicator consisting of a movable spot of light (an icon) on a visual display; moving it allows the user to point to commands or screen positionsdamper block, piano damperdamper consisting of a small felted block that drops onto a piano string to stop its vibrationdash-pota mechanical damper; the vibrating part is attached to a piston that moves in a chamber filled with liquiddata converterconverter for changing information from one code to anotherdecodera machine that converts a coded text into ordinary languagedefibrillatoran electronic device that administers an electric shock of preset voltage to the heart through the chest wall in an attempt to restore the normal rhythm of the heart during ventricular fibrillationdefroster, deicerheater that removes ice or frost (as from a windshield or a refrigerator or the wings of an airplane)delayed actiona mechanism that automatically delays the release of a camera shutter for a fixed period of time so that the photographer can appear in the picturedemisterheater that removes mist from the windshield of a carcap, detonating device, detonatora mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosivedialthe circular graduated indicator on various measuring instrumentscontraceptive diaphragm, diaphragm, pessarya contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome-shaped cup made of rubber or plastic; it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervixdiffraction grating, gratingoptical device consisting of a surface with many parallel grooves in it; disperses a beam of light (or other electromagnetic radiation) into its wavelengths to produce its spectrumWinchester drive, disc drive, disk drive, hard drivecomputer hardware that holds and spins a magnetic or optical disk and reads and writes information on itdisplay adapter, display adaptor(computer science) an electronic device that converts information in memory to video output to a displaydistributer, distributor, electrical distributorelectrical device that distributes voltage to the spark plugs of a gasoline engine in the order of the firing sequencedongle(computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected softwaredoubleran electronic device that doubles the voltage or the frequency of an input signaldrafting instrumentan instrument used by a draftsman in making drawingsdrain basketa filter in a sink drain; traps debris but passes waterdrivea mechanism by which force or power is transmitted in a machinedrive line, drive line systemmechanism that transmits power from the engine to the driving wheels of a motor vehicleelectrical converterconverter that converts alternating current into direct current or vice versaelectrodea conductor used to make electrical contact with some part of a circuitelectrographelectrical device used for etching by electrolytic meanselectromagneta temporary magnet made by coiling wire around an iron core; when current flows in the coil the iron becomes a magnetelectronic converter(telecommunication) converter for converting a signal from one frequency to anotherelectronic instrument, electronic musical instrumenta musical instrument that generates sounds electronicallyVan de Graaff generator, Wimshurst machine, electrostatic generator, electrostatic machineelectrical device that produces a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricityelevator, liftlifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a buildingelevatorthe airfoil on the tailplane of an aircraft that makes it ascend or descendenginean instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.exhaust fana fan that moves air out of an enclosureexternal drivea drive with its own power supply and fan mounted outside the computer system enclosure and connected to the computer by a cableextractoran instrument for extracting tight-fitting componentsfail-safea mechanism capable of returning to a safe state in case there is a failure or malfunctionfarm machinea machine used in farmingfastener, fastening, fixing, holdfastrestraint that attaches to something or holds something in placefendera low metal guard to confine falling coals to a hearthfield magneta magnet that provides a magnetic field in a dynamo or electric motorfilling(dentistry) a dental appliance consisting of any of various substances (as metal or plastic) inserted into a prepared cavity in a toothfilm advancea mechanism for advancing film in a camera or projectorfilteran electrical device that alters the frequency spectrum of signals passing through itfilter bedfilter consisting of a layer of sand or gravel for filtering waterfina stabilizer on a ship that resembles the fin of a fishfish lure, fisherman's lure(angling) any bright artificial bait consisting of plastic or metal mounted with hooks and trimmed with feathersflasheran electrical device that automatically turns a lamp on and off (as for an advertising display)flux applicatoran applicator for applying flux (as in soldering)flytrapa trap for catching fliesfoghorna warning device consisting of a horn that generates a loud low tonefoota support resembling a pedal extremityfranking machinea machine that automatically stamps letters or packages passing through it and computes the total chargeFAE, fuel-air explosivea device consisting of a container of fuel and two explosive charges; the first charge bursts open the fuel container at a predetermined height and spreads the fuel in a cloud that mixes with atmospheric oxygen; the second charge detonates the cloud which creates an enormous blast wave and incinerates whatever is belowfuel filtera filter in the fuel line that screens out dirt and rust particles from the fuelfuse, fusee, fuze, fuzee, primer, primingany igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellantelectrical fuse, fuse, safety fusean electrical device that can interrupt the flow of electrical current when it is overloadedgadgetryappliances collectivelygas heatera heater that burns gas for heatgear, gear mechanisma mechanism for transmitting motion for some specific purpose (as the steering gear of a vehicle)generatoran electronic device for producing a signal voltagegimbalan appliance that allows an object (such as a ship's compass) to remain horizontal even as its support tipsgnomonindicator provided by the stationary arm whose shadow indicates the time on the sundialground baitbait scattered on the water to attract fishguitar picka plectrum used to pluck a guitargyrostabiliser, gyrostabilizera stabilizer consisting of a heavy gyroscope that spins on a vertical axis; reduces side-to-side rolling of a ship or planeblow drier, blow dryer, hair drier, hair dryer, hand blowera hand-held electric blower that can blow warm air onto the hair; used for styling hairhandresta support for the handhangeranything from which something can be hungharnessa support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)harpa pair of curved vertical supports for a lampshadeheadstockthe stationary support in a machine or power tool that supports and drives a revolving part (as a chuck or the spindle on a lathe)ear trumpet, hearing aida conical acoustic device formerly used to direct sound to the ear of a hearing-impaired persondeaf-aid, hearing aidan electronic device that amplifies sound and is worn to compensate for poor hearingheat sinka metal conductor specially designed to conduct (and radiate) heathoistlifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objectsholdera holding devicehoming devicethe mechanism in a guided missile that guides it toward its objectivehorizontal stabiliser, horizontal stabilizer, tailplanethe horizontal airfoil of an aircraft's tail assembly that is fixed and to which the elevator is hingedhornan alarm device that makes a loud warning soundhorna noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through ithydraulic systema mechanism operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a liquid is forced through a small opening or tubeice tongstongs for lifting blocks of iceignition keya key that operates the ignition switch of an automotive engineimpression(dentistry) an imprint of the teeth and gums in wax or plasterinductance, inductoran electrical device (typically a conducting coil) that introduces inductance into a circuitinjectora contrivance for injecting (e.g., water into the boiler of a steam engine or particles into an accelerator etc.)instrument of executionan instrument designed and used to take the life of a condemned personinstrument of punishmentan instrument designed and used to punish a condemned personinternal drivea drive mounted inside of a computerIUD, intrauterine devicecontraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterusjackan electrical device consisting of a connector socket designed for the insertion of a plugjawholding device consisting of one or both of the opposing parts of a tool that close to hold an objectjew's harp, jews' harp, mouth bowa small lyre-shaped musical instrument that is placed between the teeth and played by twanging a wire tongue while changing the shape of the mouth cavityKerr celloptical device consisting of a transparent cell with two electrodes between two polarizing media; passes light only if the two planes of polarization are parallel; used as a high-speed shutter or to modulate a laser beamkeyboard instrumenta musical instrument that is played by means of a keyboardlampan artificial source of visible illuminationlaser, optical maseran acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent lightcobbler's last, last, shoemaker's lastholding device shaped like a human foot that is used to fashion or repair shoeslatchkeykey for raising or drawing back a latch or opening an outside doorlegone of the supports for a piece of furniturelens, lens system, lensea transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form imageslevel, spirit levelindicator that establishes the horizontal when a bubble is centered in a tube of liquiddiffusing screen, light filtera transparent filter that reduces the light (or some wavelengths of the light) passing through itlightning conductor, lightning roda metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightningloadelectrical device to which electrical power is deliveredlobster pottrap for catching lobstersignition lock, locka restraint incorporated into the ignition switch to prevent the use of a vehicle by persons who do not have the keylocka mechanism that detonates the charge of a gunlogic elementan electronic device that performs an elementary logic operationmachinerymachines or machine systems collectivelymachine toola powered machine for cutting or shaping or finishing metals or other materialsdisc, disk, magnetic disc, magnetic disk(computer science) a memory device consisting of a flat plate on which information is storedmagnetic needlea slender magnet suspended in a magnetic compass on a mounting with little friction; used to indicate the direction of the earth's magnetic polemag tape, magnetic tape, tapememory device consisting of a long thin plastic strip coated with iron oxide; used to record audio or video signals or to store computer informationmantrapa trap for catching trespassersfriction match, lucifer, matchlighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with frictionmatcha burning piece of wood or cardboardmeasuring device, measuring instrument, measuring systeminstrument that shows the extent or amount or quantity or degree of somethingmechanical devicemechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principlesmedical instrumentinstrument used in the practice of medicinemegaphonea cone-shaped acoustic device held to the mouth to intensify and direct the human voicemetal detectordetector that gives a signal when it detects the presence of metal; used to detect the presence of stray bits of metal in food products or to find buried metalmilking machinemachine consisting of a suction apparatus for milking cows mechanicallymineexplosive device that explodes on contact; designed to destroy vehicles or ships or to kill or maim personnelmine detectordetector consisting of an electromagnetic device; used to locate explosive minesmirrorpolished surface that forms images by reflecting lightmod conmodern convenience; the appliances and conveniences characteristic of a modern housemorning-after pilla large dose of estrogen taken orally within 24 to 72 hours after intercourse; prevents implantation of a fertilized ovum and so acts as a contraceptive; commonly used after rape or incestmotormachine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motioncomputer mouse, mousea hand-operated electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on your computer screen as you move it around on a pad; on the bottom of the device is a ball that rolls on the surface of the padmousetrapa trap for catching micemouthpiecean acoustic device; the part of a telephone into which a person speaksmultiplexera device that can interleave two or more activitiesmusic box, musical boxproduces music by means of pins on a revolving cylinder that strike the tuned teeth of a comb-like metal platemutea device used to soften the tone of a musical instrumentmuzzlea leather or wire restraint that fits over an animal's snout (especially a dog's nose and jaws) and prevents it from eating or bitingnavigational instrumentan instrument used for navigatingneta trap made of netting to catch fish or birds or insectsNicol prismoptical device that produces plane-polarized lightoil filtera filter that removes impurities from the oil used to lubricate an internal-combustion enginekerosene heater, kerosine heater, oil heater, oilstoveheater that burns oil (as kerosine) for heating or cookingoptical disc, optical diska disk coated with plastic that can store digital data as tiny pits etched in the surface; is read with a laser that scans the surfaceoptical instrumentan instrument designed to aid visionoutriggera stabilizer for a canoe; spars attach to a shaped log or float parallel to the hulloxygen maska breathing device that is placed over the mouth and nose; supplies oxygen from an attached storage tankartificial pacemaker, pacemakeran implanted electronic device that takes over the function of the natural cardiac pacemakerpacka sheet or blanket (either dry or wet) to wrap around the body for its therapeutic effectpaintbrusha brush used as an applicator (to apply paint)parabolic reflector, paraboloid reflectora concave reflector used to produce a parallel beam when the source is placed at its focus or to focus an incoming parallel beamparamagnetmagnet made of a substance whose magnetization is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field applied to itperchsupport consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)percussion instrument, percussive instrumenta musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking anotherpermanent magnet, static magneta magnet that retains its magnetism after being removed from a magnetic fieldperpetual motion machinea machine that can continue to do work indefinitely without drawing energy from some external source; impossible under the law of conservation of energyPDA, organiser, organizer, personal digital assistant, personal organiser, personal organizera lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks; can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.petardan explosive device used to break down a gate or wallneedle, phonograph needlea stylus that formerly made sound by following a groove in a phonograph recordelectric eye, magic eye, photocell, photoconductive cell, photoelectric cella transducer used to detect and measure light and other radiationspiera support for two adjacent bridge spanspier(architecture) a vertical supporting structure (as a portion of wall between two doors or windows)pile drivera machine that drives piling into the groundanovulant, anovulatory drug, birth control pill, contraceptive pill, oral contraceptive, oral contraceptive pill, pilla contraceptive in the form of a pill containing estrogen and progestin to inhibit ovulation and so prevent conceptionpillow blocka cast-iron or steel block for supporting a journal or bearingindicator lamp, pilot lamp, pilot lightindicator consisting of a light to indicate whether power is on or a motor is in operationplanetariuman optical device for projecting images of celestial bodies and other astronomical phenomena onto the inner surface of a hemispherical domeplotteran instrument (usually driven by a computer) for drawing graphs or picturesmale plug, plugan electrical device with two or three pins that is inserted in a socket to make an electrical connectionplutonium pit, plutonium triggera steel or beryllium sphere containing plutonium 239 that triggers nuclear fission when compressed by explosivespointeran indicator as on a dialpolarimeter, polariscopean optical device used to measure the rotation of the plane of vibration of polarized lightpound nettrap consisting of an arrangement of nets directing fish into an enclosurepower toola tool driven by a motorCottrell precipitator, electrostatic precipitator, precipitatorremoves dust particles from gases by electrostatic precipitationmechanical press, pressany machine that exerts pressure to form or shape or cut materials or extract liquids or compress solidsoptical prism, prismoptical device having a triangular shape and made of glass or quartz; used to deviate a beam or invert an imageprojectoran optical device for projecting a beam of lightpullback, tiebacka device (as a decorative loop of cord or fabric) for holding or drawing something backpull chaina chain (usually with a handle at the end) that is pulled in order to operate some mechanism (e.g. to flush a toilet)punkaha large fan consisting of a frame covered with canvas that is suspended from the ceiling; used in India for circulating air in a roompush-down storage, push-down store, stacka storage device that handles data so that the next item to be retrieved is the item most recently stored (LIFO)radiatora mechanism consisting of a metal honeycomb through which hot fluids circulate; heat is transferred from the fluid through the honeycomb to the airstream that is created either by the motion of the vehicle or by a fanradiatorheater consisting of a series of pipes for circulating steam or hot water to heat rooms or buildingsRAM disk(computer science) a virtual drive that is created by setting aside part of the random-access memory to use as if it were a group of sectorsrattrapa trap for catching ratsreactoran electrical device used to introduce reactance into a circuitrecordinga storage device on which information (sounds or images) have been recordedphonograph, record playermachine in which rotating records cause a stylus to vibrate and the vibrations are amplified acoustically or electronicallyrectifierelectrical device that transforms alternating into direct currentregister(computer science) memory device that is the part of computer memory that has a specific address and that is used to hold information of a specific kindelectrical relay, relayelectrical device such that current flowing through it in one circuit can switch on and off a current in a second circuitrepeater(electronics) electronic device that amplifies a signal before transmitting it againresta support on which things can be putresuscitatora breathing apparatus used for resuscitation by forcing oxygen into the lungs of a person who has undergone asphyxia or arrest of respirationretainera dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatmentribsupport resembling the rib of an animalrockera curved support that permits the supported object to rock to and frorotating mechanisma mechanism that rotatesrotary wing, rotor bladethe long airfoil that rotates to provide the lift that supports a helicopter in the airelastic, elastic band, rubber banda narrow band of elastic rubber used to hold things (such as papers) togetherruddera hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changessafety archan undecorated arch that is included in order to strengthen or support a constructionlife belt, safety belt, safety harnessbelt attaching you to some object as a restraint in order to prevent you from getting hurtsafety catch, safety lockguard consisting of a locking device that prevents a weapon from being firedscalean indicator having a graduated sequence of marksdigital scanner, image scanner, scanneran electronic device that generates a digital representation of an image for data input to a computerscientific instrumentan instrument used by scientistsdrogue, sea anchorrestraint consisting of a canvas covered frame that floats behind a vessel; prevents drifting or maintains the heading into a windseal bomba small explosive device (resembling a firecracker) that is used underwater in order to frighten mammals away from fishing groundsseatany support where you can sit (especially the part of a chair or bench etc. on which you sit)security, security measure, security systeman electrical device that sets off an alarm when someone tries to break inSegway, Segway HT, Segway Human Transporter(trademark) a self-balancing personal transportation device with two wheels; can operate in any level pedestrian environmentsemiconductor, semiconductor device, semiconductor unita conductor made with semiconducting materialbond, hamper, shackle, trammela restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)shelfa support that consists of a horizontal surface for holding objectsshoe bomban explosive device concealed inside the heel and sole of a shoebypass, electrical shunt, shunta conductor having low resistance in parallel with another device to divert a fraction of the currentmuffler, silencera tubular acoustic device inserted in the exhaust system that is designed to reduce noisesimulatora machine that simulates an environment for the purpose of training or researchsirenan acoustic device producing a loud often wailing sound as a signal or warningskinarrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snowslapstickacoustic device consisting of two paddles hinged together; used by an actor to make a loud noise without inflicting injury when striking someoneslicera machine for cutting; usually with a revolving bladesnorkelbreathing device consisting of a bent tube fitting into a swimmer's mouth and extending above the surface; allows swimmer to breathe while face down in the watersnow blower, snow throwera machine that removes snow by scooping it up and throwing it forcefully through a chutesolar array, solar battery, solar panelelectrical device consisting of a large array of connected solar cellssolar collector, solar dish, solar furnacea concave mirror that concentrates the rays of the sun; can produce high temperaturessolar heatera heater that makes direct use of solar energysolenoida coil of wire around an iron core; becomes a magnet when current passes through the coilsonographan instrument that uses the differential transmission and reflection of ultrasonic waves in order to provide an image of a bodily organsortera machine for sorting things (such as punched cards or letters) into classesspace heaterheater consisting of a self-contained (usually portable) unit to warm a roomspark arresterelectrical device to reduce sparking when electrical contacts are opened or closedplug, spark plug, sparking plugelectrical device that fits into the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine and ignites the gas by means of an electric sparkspeaking trumpeta trumpet-shaped acoustic device to intensify and direct the human voice; formerly held to the ear by a hard-of-hearing personspoilera hinged airfoil on the upper surface of an aircraft wing that is raised to reduce lift and increase dragspoileran airfoil mounted on the rear of a car to reduce lift at high speedsradius, spoke, wheel spokesupport consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rimspray gunan applicator resembling a gun for applying liquid substances (as paint) in the form of a sprayspringa metal elastic device that returns to its shape or position when pushed or pulled or pressedstabilizerairfoil consisting of a device for stabilizing an aircraftanti-sway bar, stabilizer bara rigid metal bar between the front suspensions and between the rear suspensions of cars and trucks; serves to stabilize the chassisstapler, stapling machinea machine that inserts staples into sheets of paper in order to fasten them togethersteel trapa trap made of steel with a strong spring and sharp toothlike projections to hold the preysteering linkagemechanism consisting of a system of rods and levers connected to the front wheels of a motor vehicle; the steering gear pushes it left or right which swivels the front wheels, causing the vehicle to turnsteering mechanism, steering systema mechanism by which something is steered (especially a motor vehicle)stereoscopean optical device for viewing stereoscopic photographsgunstock, stockthe handle of a handgun or the butt end of a rifle or shotgun or part of the support of a machine gun or artillery gunstool pigeona dummy pigeon used to decoy othersstoveany heating apparatusstrainera filter to retain larger pieces while smaller pieces and liquids pass throughstringed instrumenta musical instrument in which taut strings provide the source of soundstructural membersupport that is a constituent part of any structure or buildingsystem clockan electronic device in a computer that issues a steady high-frequency signal that synchronizes all the internal componentstailstocksupport consisting of the movable part of a lathe that slides along the bed in alignment with the headstock and is locked into position to support the free end of the workpiecetape drive, tape transport, transporta mechanism that transports magnetic tape across the read/write heads of a tape playback/recordertest paperpaper impregnated with an indicator for use in chemical teststextile machinea machine for making textilesthunderera noisemaker that makes a sound like thundertidemarkindicator consisting of a line at the highwater or low-water limits of the tidestime machinea science fiction machine that is supposed to transport people or objects into the past or the futuretongue depressora thin depressor used to press the tongue down during an examination of the mouth and throattorpedoa small explosive device that is placed on a railroad track and fires when a train runs over it; the sound of the explosion warns the engineer of danger aheadtorpedoan explosive device that is set off in an oil well (or a gas well) to start or to increase the flow of oil (or gas)torque converterconverter for transmitting and amplifying torque (especially by hydraulic means)trace detectora screening device for traces of explosives; used at airline terminalstraceran instrument used to make tracingstrackballan electronic device consisting of a rotatable ball in a housing; used to position the cursor and move images on a computer screentrammela restraint that is used to teach a horse to ambletransduceran electrical device that converts one form of energy into anothertransformeran electrical device by which alternating current of one voltage is changed to another voltagetransponderelectrical device designed to receive a specific signal and automatically transmit a specific replytreadmillan exercise device consisting of an endless belt on which a person can walk or jog without changing placetrimmera machine that trims timberelectron tube, thermionic tube, thermionic vacuum tube, thermionic valve, tube, vacuum tubeelectronic device consisting of a system of electrodes arranged in an evacuated glass or metal envelopetypewriter keyboarda keyboard for manually entering characters to be printedundercarriageframework that serves as a support for the body of a vehiclevertical tailthe vertical airfoil in the tail assembly of an aircraftvieweran optical device for viewing photographic transparenciesbench vise, visea holding device attached to a workbench; has two jaws to hold workpiece firmly in placewater filtera filter to remove impurities from the water supplywave guide, waveguidea hollow metal conductor that provides a path to guide microwaves; used in radarwhipan instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whippingwhirlera revolving mechanismwhistleacoustic device that forces air or steam against an edge or into a cavity and so produces a loud shrill soundwinch, windlasslifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope windswind, wind instrumenta musical instrument in which the sound is produced by an enclosed column of air that is moved by the breathwingone of the horizontal airfoils on either side of the fuselage of an airplaneworkhorsemachine that performs dependably under heavy useyokesupport consisting of a wooden frame across the shoulders that enables a person to carry buckets hanging from each endZambonithe trademark for a machine that smooths the ice in an ice-skating rinkzapperan electrical device that can injure or kill by means of electric currentsglass woolglass fibers spun and massed into bundles resembling wooldiatomaceous earth, diatomite, kieselguhra light soil consisting of siliceous diatom remains and often used as a filtering materialbarrea horizontal rod that ballet dancers use as a support as they perform certain exercisespercussionthe group of instruments that are played by striking with a hand or objecttype of:instrumentality, instrumentationan artifact (or system of artifacts) that is instrumental in accomplishing some end
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something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effecttypes:conceitan artistic device or effectrhetorical devicea use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)imagerythe use of vivid, descriptive language in literature, especially language that appeals to the sensesasyndetonthe omission of conjunctions where they would normally be usedrepetitionthe repeated use of the same word or word pattern as a rhetorical deviceantiphrasisthe use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal sense (especially in irony)antithesisthe juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balanceantinomasiasubstitution of a title for a nameapophasismentioning something by saying it will not be mentionedaposiopesisbreaking off in the middle of a sentence (as by writers of realistic conversations)apostropheaddress to an absent or imaginary personcatachresisstrained or paradoxical use of words either in error (as `blatant' to mean `flagrant') or deliberately (as in a mixed metaphor: `blind mouths')chiasmusinversion in the second of two parallel phrasesclimaxarrangement of clauses in ascending order of forcefulnessconversioninterchange of subject and predicate of a propositionemphasisspecial and significant stress by means of position or repetitionenallagea substitution of part of speech or gender or number or tense etc. (e.g., editorial `we' for `I')epanorthosisimmediate rephrasing for intensification or justificationepiplexisa rhetorical device in which the speaker reproaches the audience in order to incite or convince themhendiadysuse of two conjoined nouns instead of a noun and modifierhypallagereversal of the syntactic relation of two words (as in `her beauty's face')hyperbatonreversal of normal word order (as in 'cheese I love')hypozeugmause of a series of subjects with a single predicatehypozeuxisuse of a series of parallel clauses (as in `I came, I saw, I conquered')hysteron proteronreversal of normal order of two words or sentences etc. (as in `bred and born')litotes, meiosisunderstatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)onomatopoeiausing words that imitate the sound they denoteparaleipsis, paralepsis, paralipsis, preteritionsuggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omittedparegmenonjuxtaposing words having a common derivation (as in `sense and sensibility')polysyndetonusing several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted (as in `he ran and jumped and laughed for joy')prolepsisanticipating and answering objections in advancewellerisma comparison comprising a well-known quotation followed by a facetious sequelparallelismthe repetition of similar or equivalent syntactical constructions, often for rhetorical effectantimetabole(rhetoric) the repetition of the same words in reverse ordertype of:expressive style, stylea way of expressing something (in language or art or music etc.) that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period
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any clever maneuver“he would stoop to any device to win a point”types:mnemonica device (such as a rhyme or acronym) used to aid recalltype of:
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any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)types:seal, stampa device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documentsbullathe round leaden seal affixed to a papal bullcacheta seal on a lettergreat sealthe principal seal of a government, symbolizing authority or sovereigntysigneta seal (especially one used to mark documents officially)
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an emblematic design (especially in heraldry)
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