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. to leave someone alone to do as he wishes

Other Word Forms

• deviceful adjective
• devicefully adverb
• devicefulness 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

Brooks proudly shows off a Cooper Vane, a device named after D.B.

From Los Angeles Times

Except for that pesky detail of history proving that many states, if left to their own devices, will happily codify structural inequities that foment chaos.

From Salon

While the U.S. has a lot of potential, the country’s entire coastline would never be covered in wave energy devices, Robertson said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in Gaza City on Monday when a group of militants threw an explosive device into a tank.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for the vape industry said the June ban had been a success, and any rise in devices being thrown away was likely down to black market trade.

From BBC

Related Words

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