DEVICE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does device mean? 

• DEVICE (noun)
  The noun DEVICE has 5 senses:

1. an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose

2. something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect

3. any clever maneuver

4. any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)

5. an emblematic design (especially in heraldry)

  Familiarity information: DEVICE used as a noun is common.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DEVICE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Context example:

a device intended to conserve water

Hypernyms ("device" is a kind of...):

instrumentality; instrumentation (an artifact (or system of artifacts) that is instrumental in accomplishing some end)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "device"):

acoustic device (a device for amplifying or transmitting sound)

adapter; adaptor (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 that injects fuel into a hot exhaust for extra thrust)

agglomerator (a device that causes material to gather into rounded balls)

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; alarm system; warning device (a device that signals the occurrence of some undesirable event)

appliance; contraption; contrivance; convenience; gadget; gismo; gizmo; widget (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)

automatic pilot; autopilot; robot pilot (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)

buffer; fender (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 that can hold a rechargeable battery by means of an electrical cable)

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; comforter; pacifier; teething ring (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; preventative; preventive; prophylactic device (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)

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)

electronic device (a device that accomplishes its purpose electronically)

energiser; energizer (a device that supplies electrical energy)

exercise device (a device designed to provide exercise for the user)

explosive device (device that bursts with sudden violence from internal energy)

fan (a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces)

filter (device that removes something from whatever passes through it)

asphyxiator; extinguisher; fire extinguisher (a manually operated device for extinguishing small fires)

flare (a device that produces a bright light for warning or illumination or identification)

fumigator (a device that generates a gas for the purpose of disinfecting or eradicating pests)

gas fixture (a device to convey illuminating gas from the pipe to the gas burner)

groover (a device that makes grooves by cutting or punching)

guard; safety; safety device (a device designed to prevent injury or accidents)

heater; warmer (device that heats water or supplies warmth to a room)

heat exchanger (device that transfers heat from one liquid to another without allowing them to mix)

holding device (a device for holding something)

horn (a device having the shape of a horn)

foil; hydrofoil (a device consisting of a flat or curved piece (as a metal plate) so that its surface reacts to the water it is passing through)

imprint (a device produced by pressure on a surface)

indicator (a device for showing the operating condition of some system)

instrument (a device that requires skill for proper use)

ignition interlock; interlock (a device that prevents an automotive engine from starting)

interrupter (a device for automatically interrupting an electric current)

jig (a device that holds a piece of machine work and guides the tools operating on it)

key (metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated)

keyboard (device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like)

Kinetoscope (a device invented by Edison that gave an impression of movement as an endless loop of film moved continuously over a light source with a rapid shutter; precursor of the modern motion picture)

doorknocker; knocker; rapper (a device (usually metal and ornamental) attached by a hinge to a door)

lift (a device worn in a shoe or boot to make the wearer look taller or to correct a shortened leg)

lifting device (a device for lifting heavy loads)

igniter; ignitor; light; lighter (a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires)

machine (any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks)

magnet ((physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field)

mechanism (device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function)

memory device; storage device (a device that preserves information for retrieval)

instrument; musical instrument (any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds)

nest egg (device consisting of an artificial egg left in a nest to induce hens to lay their eggs in it)

noisemaker (a device (such as a clapper or bell or horn) used to make a loud noise at a celebration)

optical device (a device for producing or controlling light)

override (a manually operated device to correct the operation of an automatic device)

paper feed (a device for inserting sheets of paper into a printer or typewriter)

peeler (a device for peeling vegetables or fruits)

pick; plectron; plectrum (a small thin device (of metal or plastic or ivory) used to pluck a stringed instrument)

power takeoff; PTO (a device that transfers power from an engine (as in a tractor or other motor vehicle) to another piece of equipment (as to a pump or jackhammer))

goad; prod (a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion)

autocue; prompter (a device that displays words for people to read)

pull (a device used for pulling something)

reflector (device that reflects radiation)

button; release (a device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism)

remote; remote control (a device that can be used to control a machine or apparatus from a distance)

reset (device for resetting instruments or controls)

constraint; restraint (a device that retards something's motion)

router ((computer science) a device that forwards data packets between computer networks)

runner (device consisting of the parts on which something can slide along)

scratcher (a device used for scratching)

shoehorn (a device used for easing the foot into a shoe)

shoetree (a wooden or metal device that is inserted into a shoe to preserve its shape when it is not being worn)

shooting stick (device that resembles a spiked walking stick but the top opens into a seat)

shredder (a device that shreds documents (usually in order to prevent the wrong people from reading them))

signaling device (a device used to send signals)

snowshoe (a device to help you walk on deep snow; a lightweight frame shaped like a racquet is strengthened with cross pieces and contains a network of thongs; one is worn on each foot)

sounder (a device for making soundings)

source of illumination (any device serving as a source of visible electromagnetic radiation)

stabiliser; stabilizer (a device for making something stable)

stemmer (a device for removing stems from fruit (as from grapes or apples))

straightener (a device for straightening)

reinforcement; strengthener (a device designed to provide additional strength)

stylus (a sharp pointed device attached to the cartridge of a record player)

suction cup (a cup-shaped device (made of rubber, glass, or plastic) that produces a partial vacuum; used to adhere or draw something to a surface)

support (any device that bears the weight of another thing)

sweatbox (a device that causes tobacco leaves or fruit or hides to sweat)

synchroflash (a device used in photography to synchronize the peak of a flash with the opening of the camera shutter)

take-up (any of various devices for reducing slack (as in a sewing machine) or taking up motion (as in a loom))

teaser (a device for teasing wool)

dart thrower; spear thrower; throwing board; throwing stick (a device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or spear)

tilter (a device for emptying a cask by tilting it without disturbing the dregs)

pair of tongs; tongs (any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below)

toy (a device regarded as providing amusement)

trap (a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned)

trigger (a device that activates or releases or causes something to happen)

valve (device in a brass wind instrument for varying the length of the air column to alter the pitch of a tone)

vaporiser; vaporizer (a device that puts out a substance in the form of a vapor (especially for medicinal inhalation))

ventilator (a device (such as a fan) that introduces fresh air or expels foul air)

washboard (device consisting of a corrugated surface to scrub clothes on)

water cooler (a device for cooling and dispensing drinking water)

slide chart (a hand-held device, usually of paper, cardboard, or plastic, for conducting simple calculations or looking up information)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("device" is a kind of...):

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)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "device"):

conceit (an artistic device or effect)

rhetorical device (a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance))

Sense 3

Meaning:

Any clever maneuver

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

device; gimmick; twist

Context example:

a cheap promotions gimmick for greedy businessmen

Hypernyms ("device" is a kind of...):

maneuver; manoeuvre; tactical maneuver; tactical manoeuvre (a move made to gain a tactical end)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "device"):

mnemonic (a device (such as a rhyme or acronym) used to aid recall)

fast one; trick (a cunning or deceitful action or device)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("device" is a kind of...):

design; figure; pattern (a decorative or artistic work)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "device"):

seal; stamp (a device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents)

Sense 5

Meaning:

An emblematic design (especially in heraldry)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Context example:

he was recognized by the device on his shield

Hypernyms ("device" is a kind of...):

emblem (special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.)

Domain category:

heraldry (the study and classification of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "device"):

union (a device on a national flag emblematic of the union of two or more sovereignties (typically in the upper inner corner))

 Context examples 

Issue associated with any undesired acoustic energy or vibration that tends to interfere with the operation of the device.

(Ambient Noise in Medical Device Environment, Food and Drug Administration)

A composite part of an alarm or a larger device that includes an alarm.

(Alarm Assembly Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)

A device designed to remove air from a space or fluid.

(Air Eliminator Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)

A filtering device designed to remove particles from air.

(Air Cleaner Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)

A record of data captured about device logging functions, error logs, keystroke logs and device alarm history.

(Analysis of Data Log, NCI Thesaurus)

Analysis of device log data such as error or keystroke log, or device alarm history.

(Analysis of Data Log, Food and Drug Administration)

An electronic device that is implanted in the body to monitor heart rate and rhythm.

(Artificial pacemaker, NCI Dictionary)

The device, which is called a prosthesis, can help you to perform daily activities such as walking, eating, or dressing.

(Artificial Limbs, NIH)

A device designed to prevent a certain action, such as one that protects an electical system from voltage or current surges.

(Arrester Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)

An electronic device that answers a telephone and records messages.

(Answering Machine, NCI Thesaurus)