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machine
- Main Entry:
- 1ma·chine
- Pronunciation:
-
\mə-ˈshēn\
- Function:
- noun
- Usage:
- often attributive
- Etymology:
- Middle French, from Latin machina, from Greek mēchanē (Doric dialect machana), from mēchos means, expedient — more at may
- Date:
- circa 1545
1 aarchaic : a constructed thing whether material or immaterial b: conveyance, vehicle; especially : automobile carchaic : 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 plural2 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 clique3: a literary device or contrivance introduced for dramatic effect
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