Main Entry: ¹ma·chine

Pronunciation: \mə-ˈshēn\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle French, from Latin machina, from Greek mēchanē (Doric dial. machana), from mēchos means, expedient — more at may

Date: circa 1545

1 a archaic : a constructed thing whether material or immaterial b : conveyance, vehicle; especially : automobile c archaic : a military engine d : any of various apparatuses formerly used to produce stage effects e (1) : an assemblage of parts that transmit forces, motion, and energy one to another in a predetermined manner (2) : an instrument (as a lever) designed to transmit or modify the application of power, force, or motion f : a mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for performing a task g : a coin-operated device <a cigarette machine> h : machinery —used with the or in plural
2 a : a living organism or one of its functional systems b : one that resembles a machine (as in being methodical, tireless, or consistently productive) <a gifted publicist and quote machine — John Lancaster> c (1) : a combination of persons acting together for a common end along with the agencies they use (2) : a highly organized political group under the leadership of a boss or small clique
3 : a literary device or contrivance introduced for dramatic effect