device

[ dih-vahys ]

noun

1. a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.

   Synonyms: gadget

2. a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.

   Synonyms: design, project

3. a crafty scheme; trick.

   Synonyms: maneuver, stratagem, artifice, ruse, wile

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. a mobile device:

   Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center.

   Don't leave your devices in a hot car.

6. something elaborately or fancifully designed.
7. a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.
8. a motto.

   Synonyms: legend, slogan

9. Archaic. devising; invention.

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

Other Words From

• de·viceful adjective
• de·viceful·ly adverb
• de·viceful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of device¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis “discourse, division” and devise “heraldic device, will,” both from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus “divided, separated”; divisible

Word History and Origins

Origin of device¹

C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see devise

Idioms and Phrases

see leave to someone's own devices .

Example Sentences

Using multiple devices and browser tabs can result in errors and may even get you kicked out of the queue, which you definitely don't want.

From BBC

The more hands-off approach favored by Trump could aid such medical device developers.

From Los Angeles Times

These include "unusual secretiveness, particularly around devices, mobile phones, social media accounts".

From BBC

In all, police recovered thousands of files from 20 devices owned by the women in a year-long investigation.

From BBC

Phones will not be allowed during lunch or breaks, and each campus will decide how the devices will be stored or locked up.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accessory
• apparatus
• appliance
• equipment
• gadget
• gear
• machine
• material
• mechanism