Definition of device

Email this page to a friend

< deviation

devil >

de·vice    (d-vs) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A contrivance or an invention serving a particular purpose, especially a machine used to perform one or more relatively simple tasks.
2. 1. A technique or means.
   2. A plan or scheme, especially a malign one.
3. A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.
4. A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery. See Synonyms at figure.
5. A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.
6. Archaic The act, state, or power of devising.

IDIOM:
leave to (one's) own devices

To allow to do as one pleases: left the child to her own devices for an hour in the afternoon.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French devis, division, wish, and Old French devise, design, both from Latin dvsus, dvsa, past participle of dvidere, to divide, separate ; see divide