Main Entry: de·vice

Pronunciation: \di-ˈvīs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English devis, devise, from Anglo-French, division, plan, from deviser to divide, regulate, tell — more at devise

Date: 14th century

1 : something devised or contrived: as a (1) : plan, procedure, technique (2) : a scheme to deceive : stratagem, trick b : something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design c : something (as a figure of speech) in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect d archaic : masque, spectacle e : a conventional stage practice or means (as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect f : a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function <an electronic device>
2 : desire, inclination <left to my own devices>
3 : an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing