Topic: LITERATURE
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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | devis, devise 'division, plan', from deviser 'to divide, tell'; DEVISE |
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de‧vice W2
[countable]
[countable]1T a machine or tool that does a special job [= gadget]: modern labour-saving devices
modern labour-saving devices2 a special way of doing something that makes it easier to do a memory device
device for doing something Testing yourself with information on cards is a useful device for studying.
Testing yourself with information on cards is a useful device for studying.a memory device3 a plan or trick, especially for a dishonest purpose
device to do something Their proposal was only a device to confuse the opposition.
Their proposal was only a device to confuse the opposition.5ALAP the special use of words in literature, or of words, lights etc in a play, to achieve an effect : Metaphor is a common literary device.
Metaphor is a common literary device.➔ leave somebody to their own devices
at leave1 (4)WORD CHOICE:WORD CHOICE: machine, device, gadget, applianceA machine is a piece of equipment that uses power to do a particular job. It is usually large and stays in the same place • a machine that sorts mail • a washing machineYou use the words device and gadget especially when you think the equipment is very cleverly designed. A device is a piece of equipment that does a particular job, for example takes measurements or controls the operation of a machine. It may use electrical power or be used by hand • a device for detecting blood alcohol levels from breath samples • a temperature control deviceA gadget is a small piece of equipment that does something useful or impressive • one of those gadgets that sorts coins • kitchen gadgetsAn appliance is a piece of electrical equipment used in your home such as a washing machine or fridge. This word is used especially by the companies that produce and sell them • the world's largest producer of household appliances • domestic appliances ➔ See also machine
