device

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device

a crafty scheme; gadget; design; ruse: His friendliness was only a device to gain your trust.

Not to be confused with:

devise – contrive, plan, or elaborate; form a plan; prepare: He will devise a way to get your money.

de·vice

(dĭ-vīs′)

1. An object designed and manufactured to perform one or more functions.

2. A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.

a. A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery. See Synonyms at figure.

b. A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.

4. A plan or scheme for accomplishing something: "Now Lydgate might have called at the warehouse, or might have written a message on a leaf of his pocket-book and left it at the door. Yet these simple devices apparently did not occur to him" (George Eliot).

Idiom:

leave to (one's) own devices

1. To allow (someone) to do as he or she pleases: left the child to her own devices for an hour.

2. To force (someone) to cope or manage without assistance: Most people would die in the desert if left to their own devices.

[Middle English, from Old French devis, division, wish, and Old French devise, design, both from Latin dīvīsus, dīvīsa, past participle of dīvidere, to divide, separate; see divide.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

device

(dɪˈvaɪs)

1. (Tools) a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance

2. (Firearms, Gunnery, Ordnance & Artillery) euphemistic a bomb

3. a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick

4. (Art Terms) any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery

5. (Knitting & Sewing) any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery

6. (Computer Science) a piece of computer hardware that is designed for a specific function

7. (Heraldry) a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc

8. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader

9. archaic the act or process of planning or devising

10. leave someone to his or her own devices to leave someone alone to do as he or she wishes

[C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see devise]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

de•vice

(dɪˈvaɪs)

n.

1. a thing made for a particular purpose, esp. a mechanical, electric, or electronic invention or contrivance.

2. a plan, scheme, or procedure for effecting a purpose.

3. a crafty scheme; trick.

4. a word pattern, figure of speech, theatrical convention, etc., used in a literary or dramatic work to evoke a desired effect.

5. something elaborately or fancifully designed.

6. a representation or design used esp. as a heraldic charge or an emblem.

7. a motto; slogan.

8. Archaic. devising; invention.

Idioms:

leave to one's own devices, to allow (a person) to act according to desire or inclination.

[1375–1425; devis division, discourse and devise heraldic device, will; both < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus, past participle of dīvidere to divide]

device

– devise

1. 'device'

Device (/dɪvaɪs/) is a noun. A device is an object that has been made or built for a particular purpose, such as recording or measuring something.

...a device that could measure minute quantities of matter.

...an electronic device.

2. 'devise'

Devise (/dɪvaɪz/) is a verb. If you devise a plan, system, or machine, you have the idea for it and you work it out or design it.

The challenge was to devise a proposal that kept costs to a minimum.

Year by year we devise more precise instruments with which to observe the planets.

Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

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Noun	1.	device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" acoustic device - a device for amplifying or transmitting sound adaptor, adapter - device that enables something to be used in a way different from that for which it was intended or makes different pieces of apparatus compatible afterburner - a device injects fuel into a hot exhaust for extra thrust agglomerator - a device that causes material to gather into rounded balls; "a sonic agglomerator" aerofoil, airfoil, control surface, surface - a device that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding air; can lift or control a plane in flight alarm system, warning device, alarm - a device that signals the occurrence of some undesirable event appliance, contraption, contrivance, gadget, gismo, gizmo, widget, convenience - a device or control that is very useful for a particular job applicator, applier - a device for applying a substance aspergill, aspersorium - a short-handled device with a globe containing a sponge; used for sprinkling holy water robot pilot, automatic pilot, autopilot - a navigational device that automatically keeps ships or planes or spacecraft on a steady course bait, decoy, lure - something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed billiard marker - a device for keeping the score in a game of billiards bird feeder, birdfeeder, feeder - an outdoor device that supplies food for wild birds blower - a device that produces a current of air bootjack - has V-shaped notch for pulling off boots breathalyser, breathalyzer - a device that measures chemicals (especially the alcohol content) in a person's expired breath breathing apparatus, breathing device, breathing machine, ventilator - a device that facilitates breathing in cases of respiratory failure bubbler - any of various devices in which air or some other gas is bubbled through a liquid fender, buffer - a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact catapult, launcher - a device that launches aircraft from a warship battery charger, charger - a device for charging or recharging batteries clip-on - a device (as an earring, sunglasses, microphone etc.) that is attached by clips comb - a flat device with narrow pointed teeth on one edge; disentangles or arranges hair baby's dummy, teething ring, pacifier, comforter - device used for an infant to suck or bite on conductor - a device designed to transmit electricity, heat, etc. birth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, prophylactic device, preventative, preventive - an agent or device intended to prevent conception converter, convertor - a device for changing one substance or form or state into another corer - a device for removing the core from apples corrective, restorative - a device for treating injury or disease crusher - a device that crushes something cryptograph - a device for deciphering codes and ciphers cutoff - a device that terminates the flow in a pipe dampener, moistener - a device that dampens or moistens something; "he used a dampener to moisten the shirts before he ironed them" damper, muffler - a device that decreases the amplitude of electronic, mechanical, acoustical, or aerodynamic oscillations deflector - a device intended to turn aside the flow of something (water or air or smoke etc) dental appliance - a device to repair teeth or replace missing teeth depressor - a device used by physician to press a part down or aside detector, sensing element, sensor - any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner diestock - a device that holds the dies that cut external threads on metal cylinders drive - (computer science) a device that writes data onto or reads data from a storage medium drop forge, drop hammer, drop press - device for making large forgings elastic device - any flexible device that will return to its original shape when stretched electrical device - a device that produces or is powered by electricity
	2.	device - something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect expressive style, style - a way of expressing something (in language or art or music etc.) that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period; "all the reporters were expected to adopt the style of the newspaper" conceit - an artistic device or effect; "the architect's brilliant conceit was to build the house around the tree" rhetorical device - a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)
	3.	device - any clever maneuver; "he would stoop to any device to win a point"; "it was a great sales gimmick"; "a cheap promotions gimmick for greedy businessmen" gimmick, twist tactical maneuver, tactical manoeuvre, maneuver, manoeuvre - a move made to gain a tactical end mnemonic - a device (such as a rhyme or acronym) used to aid recall fast one, trick - a cunning or deceitful action or device; "he played a trick on me"; "he pulled a fast one and got away with it"
	4.	device - any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery) pattern, design, figure - a decorative or artistic work; "the coach had a design on the doors" seal, stamp - a device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents
	5.	device - an emblematic design (especially in heraldry); "he was recognized by the device on his shield" emblem - special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc. union - a device on a national flag emblematic of the union of two or more sovereignties (typically in the upper inner corner) heraldry - the study and classification of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies

device

noun

1. gadget, machine, tool, instrument, implement, invention, appliance, apparatus, gimmick, utensil, contraption, widget (informal), contrivance, waldo, gizmo or gismo (slang, chiefly U.S. & Canad.) This device can measure minute quantities of matter.

2. ploy, scheme, strategy, plan, design, project, shift, trick, manoeuvre, stunt, dodge, expedient, ruse, artifice, gambit, stratagem, wile His actions are obviously a device to buy time.

Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

device

noun

1. Something, as a machine, devised for a particular function:

apparatus, appliance, contraption, contrivance.

2. Something invented:

brainchild, contrivance, invention.

3. An indirect, usually cunning means of gaining an end:

artifice, deception, dodge, feint, gimmick, imposture, jig, maneuver, ploy, ruse, sleight, stratagem, subterfuge, trick, wile.

Informal: shenanigan, take-in.

4. An element or a component in a decorative composition:

design, figure, motif, motive, pattern.

Translations

أَدَاةجِهاز، أداه، آلَهخِطَّه، حيلَه

zařízenínástrojplánpřístrojtrik

anordningapparatmekanismeplanstrategi

Gerät Vorrichtung Hilfsmittel Instrument Kniff

συσκευή

dispositivo estratagema mecanismo recurso ingenio

laitesuunnitelmatehokeinotunnustunnusmerkki

appareil dispositif truc biais

naprava

eszközgépezetkészülékmódszerkezet

aîferî; kænskubragîtæki, útbúnaîur

congegno dispositivo elemento inclinazione meccanismo

装置

장치

ierīceplānsprojektstriks

apparaat toestel

anordning apparat hjelperåd innretning

urządzenie

aparelho dispositivo

приспособление устройство

naprava

anordning

อุปกรณ์

araç cihaz düzen hile alet

thiết bị

器件手段装置

device

[dɪˈvaɪs] N

1. (= gadget) → aparato m; (= mechanism) → mecanismo m, dispositivo m; (= explosive) → artefacto m
nuclear device → ingenio m nuclear

2. (= scheme) → estratagema f, recurso m
to leave sb to his own devices → dejar a algn hacer lo que le dé la gana; (to solve problem) → dejar que algn se las arregle solo

3. (= emblem) → emblema m; (= motto) → lema m

Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

device

[dɪˈvaɪs] n

(= means) → moyen m, expédient m
a device to do sth → un moyen de faire qch

(= piece of equipment) → dispositif m, appareil m
a device for doing sth → un appareil qui permet de faire qch
a device to do sth → un dispositif destiné à faire qch explosive device

to leave sb to their own devices (= leave alone) → laisser qn se débrouiller

Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

device

(= gadget etc) → Gerät nt; (= extra fitment) → Vorrichtung f; (explosive) device → Sprengkörper m; nuclear device → atomarer Sprengkörper; a rhetorical device → ein rhetorischer Kunstgriff

to leave somebody to his own devices → jdn sich (dat) → selbst überlassen

(= emblem) → Emblem nt; (= motto) → Motto nt, → Devise f

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

device

[dɪˈvaɪs] n

a. (gadget) → congegno, dispositivo

b. (scheme) → stratagemma m
leave him to his own devices → lascia che si arrangi da solo

c. (also explosive device) → ordigno esplosivo

device

(diˈvais) noun

1. something made for a purpose, eg a tool or instrument. a device for opening cans.

2. a plan or system of doing something, sometimes involving trickery. This is a device for avoiding income tax.

device , unlike advice , can be used in the plural: ingenious devices .
devise is a verb: to devise a scheme .

device

→ أَدَاة zařízení anordning Gerät συσκευή dispositivo laite dispositif naprava dispositivo 装置 장치 apparaat innretning urządzenie dispositivo устройство anordning อุปกรณ์ araç thiết bị 器件

de·vice

n. dispositivo; mecanismo.

abduction ___ → ___ de abducción;

electronic ___ → ___ electrónico;

immobilization___ → ___ inmovilización.

device

n dispositivo, aparato; assistive — dispositivo de ayuda; bastón m, andador m, u otro dispositivo para asistir con las actividades de la vida cotidiana; assistive hearing — dispositivo or aparato de ayuda auditiva; intrauterine — (IUD) dispositivo intrauterino (DIU), aparato (fam); left ventricular assist — dispositivo de asistencia ventricular izquierda; safety — dispositivo de seguridad

References in classic literature ?

I understand it, that the song be in quire, placed aloft, and accompanied with some broken music; and the ditty fitted to the device. Acting in song, especially in dialogues, hath an extreme good grace; I say acting, not dancing (for that is a mean and vulgar thing); and the voices of the dialogue would be strong and manly (a base and a tenor; no treble); and the ditty high and tragical; not nice or dainty.

For justs, and tourneys, and barriers; the glories of them are chiefly in the chariots, wherein the challengers make their entry; especially if they be drawn with strange beasts: as lions, bears, camels, and the like; or in the devices of their entrance; or in the bravery of their liveries; or in the goodly furniture of their horses and armor.

View in context

Carthoris' improvement upon this consisted of an auxiliary device which steered the craft mechanically in the direction of the compass, and upon arrival directly over the point for which the compass was set, brought the craft to a standstill and lowered it, also automatically, to the ground.

View in context

The Cat was no longer able to get at them and perceived that she must tempt them forth by some device. For this purpose she jumped upon a peg, and suspending herself from it, pretended to be dead.

View in context

Are the sexes really races, each with its own code of morality, and their mutual love a mere device of Nature to keep things going?

View in context

His suit of armour was formed of steel, richly inlaid with gold, and the device on his shield was a young oak-tree pulled up by the roots, with the Spanish word Desdichado, signifying Disinherited.

View in context

It was a very simple device, but perfectly effective, as I think any one will find who employs it in like circumstances; and I would really like to commend it to growing boys troubled as I was then.

View in context

By this time David's power of device had begun to return, but it was a very hard task for his prudence to master his rage and hatred towards poor Jacob.

View in context

Rumbling along with most unwonted noise, the caravan stopped at last at the place of exhibition, where Nell dismounted amidst an admiring group of children, who evidently supposed her to be an important item of the curiosities, and were fully impressed with the belief that her grandfather was a cunning device in wax.

View in context

And as that famous great tierce is mystically carved in front, so the whale's vast plaited forehead forms innumerable strange devices for the emblematical adornment of his wondrous tun.

View in context

The smoke was inhaled from large pipes, the bowls of which, made out of small cocoanut shells, were curiously carved in strange heathenish devices. These were passed from mouth to mouth by the recumbent smokers, each of whom, taking two or three prodigious whiffs, handed the pipe to his neighbour; sometimes for that purpose stretching indolently across the body of some dozing individual whose exertions at the dinner-table had already induced sleep.

View in context

The drapery is thrown open also, or closed, by means of a thick rope of gold loosely enveloping it, and resolving itself readily into a knot; no pins or other such devices are apparent.