device

[dih-vahys] /dɪˈvaɪs/
noun
1.
a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
2.
a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.
3.
a crafty scheme; trick.
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.
something elaborately or fancifully designed.
6.
a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.
7.
a motto.
8.
Archaic. devising; invention.
Origin
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
Related forms
deviceful, adjective
devicefully, adverb
devicefulness, noun
Can be confused
device, devise.
Synonyms
1. gadget. 2. project, design. 3. wile, ruse, artifice, stratagem, maneuver. 7. slogan, legend.
Examples from the web for device
  • Such a device would have to be an early-response tool because even slight mental problems can be dangerous in space.
  • The device requires a router, broadband service, a power outlet and a phone.
  • The program detects the e-reader and automatically downloads new content to the device.
  • He was the first to import television screens and cameras to communicate with the offstage band, a device now in common use.
  • Even for creatures as ingenious as ants, it's a device to marvel at.
  • Researchers say that a specially designed device should be able to draw power from a strong magnetic field permeating a room.
  • Attached to one end was an electronic device containing a sensor and a transmitter.
  • Software developers and device manufacturers are beginning to target e-book products to college users.
  • The ropes let swimmers cling to the device or climb on top of it until a lifeguard arrives on the scene.
  • The device is known as a lithium-air or lithium-oxygen battery.
British Dictionary definitions for device

device

/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.
leave someone to his own devices, to leave someone alone to do as he wishes
Word Origin
C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see devise
Word Origin and History for 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.

device in Medicine

device de·vice (dĭ-vīs')
n.
A contrivance or an invention serving a particular purpose, especially a machine used to perform one or more relatively simple tasks.

device in Technology


peripheral

Idioms and Phrases with device

device

see: leave to someone's own devices