MACHINE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does machine mean? 

• MACHINE (noun)
  The noun MACHINE has 6 senses:

1. any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

2. an efficient person

3. an intricate organization that accomplishes its goals efficiently

4. a device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying force at some other point

5. a group that controls the activities of a political party

6. a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

  Familiarity information: MACHINE used as a noun is common.

• MACHINE (verb)
  The verb MACHINE has 2 senses:

1. turn, shape, mold, or otherwise finish by machinery

2. make by machinery

  Familiarity information: MACHINE used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MACHINE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

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

device (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose)

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

coin machine; slot machine (a machine that is operated by the insertion of a coin in a slot)

slicer (a machine for cutting; usually with a revolving blade)

simulator (a machine that simulates an environment for the purpose of training or research)

feeder; self-feeder (a machine that automatically provides a supply of some material)

riveter; riveting machine; rivetter (a machine for driving rivets)

phonograph; record player (machine in which rotating records cause a stylus to vibrate and the vibrations are amplified acoustically or electronically)

printer; printing machine (a machine that prints)

press; printing press (a machine used for printing)

mechanical press; press (any machine that exerts pressure to form or shape or cut materials or extract liquids or compress solids)

power tool (a tool driven by a motor)

snow blower; snow thrower (a machine that removes snow by scooping it up and throwing it forcefully through a chute)

sorter (a machine for sorting things (such as punched cards or letters) into classes)

corker (a machine that is used to put corks in bottles)

pestle; stamp (machine consisting of a heavy bar that moves vertically for pounding or crushing ores)

staple gun; staplegun; tacker (a hand-held machine for driving staples home)

stapler; stapling machine (a machine that inserts staples into sheets of paper in order to fasten them together)

textile machine (a machine for making textiles)

time machine (a science fiction machine that is supposed to transport people or objects into the past or the future)

trimmer (a machine that trims timber)

workhorse (machine that performs dependably under heavy use)

Zamboni (the trademark for a machine that smooths the ice in an ice-skating rink)

pile driver (a machine that drives piling into the ground)

assembly (a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit)

bagger (a machine for putting objects or substances into bags)

calculating machine; calculator (a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations; can be mechanical or electronic)

calender (a machine that smooths or glazes paper or cloth by pressing it between plates or passing it through rollers)

ATM; automated teller; automated teller machine; automatic teller; automatic teller machine; cash dispenser; cash machine (an unattended machine (outside some banks) that dispenses money when a personal coded card is used)

comber (a machine that separates and straightens the fibers of cotton or wool)

computer; computing device; computing machine; data processor; electronic computer; information processing system (a machine for performing calculations automatically)

cement mixer; concrete mixer (a machine with a large revolving drum in which cement is mixed with other materials to make concrete)

cotton gin; gin (a machine that separates the seeds from raw cotton fibers)

decoder (a machine that converts a coded text into ordinary language)

farm machine (a machine used in farming)

franking machine (a machine that automatically stamps letters or packages passing through it and computes the total charge)

hop-picker; hopper (a machine used for picking hops)

machinery (machines or machine systems collectively)

machine tool (a powered machine for cutting or shaping or finishing metals or other materials)

milking machine (machine consisting of a suction apparatus for milking cows mechanically)

motor (machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion)

paving machine; pavior; paviour (a machine for laying pavement)

perpetual motion machine (a machine that can continue to do work indefinitely without drawing energy from some external source; impossible under the law of conservation of energy)

digger; excavator; power shovel; shovel (a machine for excavating)

Derivation:

machine (make by machinery)

machine (turn, shape, mold, or otherwise finish by machinery)

machinist (a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools)

Sense 2

Meaning:

An efficient person

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Context example:

the boxer was a magnificent fighting machine

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

individual; mortal; person; somebody; someone; soul (a human being)

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

bionic man; bionic woman; cyborg (a human being whose body has been taken over in whole or in part by electromechanical devices)

Sense 3

Meaning:

An intricate organization that accomplishes its goals efficiently

Classified under:

Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects

Context example:

the war machine

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

organisation; organization (a group of people who work together)

Sense 4

Meaning:

A device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying force at some other point

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

machine; simple machine

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

mechanical device (mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles)

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

inclined plane (a simple machine for elevating objects; consists of plane surface that makes an acute angle with the horizontal)

lever (a simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given a fulcrum)

block; pulley; pulley-block; pulley block (a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope)

wheel (a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines))

Sense 5

Meaning:

A group that controls the activities of a political party

Classified under:

Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects

Synonyms:

machine; political machine

Context example:

he was endorsed by the Democratic machine

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

organisation; organization (a group of people who work together)

Sense 6

Meaning:

A motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

auto; automobile; car; machine; motorcar

Context example:

he needs a car to get to work

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

automotive vehicle; motor vehicle (a self-propelled wheeled vehicle that does not run on rails)

Meronyms (parts of "machine"):

accelerator; accelerator pedal; gas; gas pedal; gun; throttle (a pedal that controls the throttle valve)

air bag (a safety restraint in an automobile; the bag inflates on collision and prevents the driver or passenger from being thrown forward)

auto accessory (an accessory for an automobile)

automobile engine (the engine that propels an automobile)

automobile horn; car horn; hooter; horn; motor horn (a device on an automobile for making a warning noise)

buffer; fender (a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact)

bumper (a mechanical device consisting of bars at either end of a vehicle to absorb shock and prevent serious damage)

car door (the door of a car)

car mirror (a mirror that the driver of a car can use)

car seat (a seat in a car)

car window (a window in a car)

fender; wing (a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud)

first; first gear; low; low gear (the lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving)

floorboard (the floor of an automobile)

gasoline engine; petrol engine (an internal-combustion engine that burns gasoline; most automobiles are driven by gasoline engines)

glove compartment (compartment on the dashboard of a car)

grille; radiator grille (grating that admits cooling air to car's radiator)

high; high gear (a forward gear with a gear ratio that gives the greatest vehicle velocity for a given engine speed)

bonnet; cowl; cowling; hood (protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine)

automobile trunk; boot; luggage compartment; trunk (compartment in an automobile that carries luggage or shopping or tools)

rear window (car window that allows vision out of the back of the car)

reverse; reverse gear (the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed)

roof (protective covering on top of a motor vehicle)

running board (a narrow footboard serving as a step beneath the doors of some old cars)

anti-sway bar; stabilizer bar (a rigid metal bar between the front suspensions and between the rear suspensions of cars and trucks; serves to stabilize the chassis)

sunroof; sunshine-roof (an automobile roof having a sliding or raisable panel)

fin; tail fin; tailfin (one of a pair of decorations projecting above the rear fenders of an automobile)

third; third gear (the third from the lowest forward ratio gear in the gear box of a motor vehicle)

window (a transparent opening in a vehicle that allow vision out of the sides or back; usually is capable of being opened)

Domain member category:

rental; renting (the act of paying for the use of something (as an apartment or house or car))

alternator (an old term for an electric generator that produces alternating current (especially in automobiles))

backseat (a seat at the back of a vehicle (especially the seat at the back of an automobile))

road map (a map showing roads (for automobile travel))

saleroom; salesroom; showroom (an area where merchandise (such as cars) can be displayed)

spark lever ((on early automobiles) a lever mounted on the steering column and used to adjust the timing of the ignition)

tunnel (a passageway through or under something, usually underground (especially one for trains or cars))

passenger; rider (a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it)

adhesive friction; grip; traction (the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road))

chattel; movable; personal chattel (personal as opposed to real property; any tangible movable property (furniture or domestic animals or a car etc))

prang (crash)

hopped-up ((of an automobile) having the engine modified to give extra power)

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

beach waggon; beach wagon; estate car; station waggon; station wagon; waggon; wagon (a car that has a long body and rear door with space behind rear seat)

ambulance (a vehicle that takes people to and from hospitals)

secondhand car; used-car (a car that has been previously owned; not a new car)

phaeton; tourer; touring car (large open car seating four with folding top)

subcompact; subcompact car (a car smaller than a compact car)

stock car (a car kept in dealers' stock for regular sales)

Stanley Steamer (a steam-powered automobile)

S.U.V.; sport utility; sport utility vehicle; SUV (a high-performance four-wheel drive car built on a truck chassis)

sport car; sports car (a small low car with a high-powered engine; usually seats two persons)

saloon; sedan (a car that is closed and that has front and rear seats and two or four doors)

roadster; runabout; two-seater (an open automobile having a front seat and a rumble seat)

race car; racer; racing car (a fast car that competes in races)

pace car (a high-performance car that leads a parade of competing cars through the pace lap and then pulls off the course)

Model T (the first widely available automobile powered by a gasoline engine; mass-produced by Henry Ford from 1908 to 1927)

minivan (a small box-shaped passenger van; usually has removable seats; used as a family car)

minicar (a car that is even smaller than a subcompact car)

limo; limousine (large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur)

loaner (a car that is lent as a replacement for one that is under repair)

bus; heap; jalopy (a car that is old and unreliable)

cab; hack; taxi; taxicab (a car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money)

compact; compact car (a small and economical car)

convertible (a car that has top that can be folded or removed)

coupe (a car with two doors and front seats and a luggage compartment)

cruiser; patrol car; police car; police cruiser; prowl car; squad car (a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters)

gas guzzler (a car with relatively low fuel efficiency)

hardtop (a car that resembles a convertible but has a fixed rigid top)

hatchback (a car having a hatchback door)

horseless carriage (an early term for an automobile)

hot-rod; hot rod (a car modified to increase its speed and acceleration)

jeep; landrover (a car suitable for traveling over rough terrain)

electric; electric automobile; electric car (a car that is powered by electricity)

Derivation:

machinist (a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools)

• MACHINE (verb)

Conjugation:

Sense 1

Meaning:

Turn, shape, mold, or otherwise finish by machinery

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Hypernyms (to "machine" is one way to...):

forge; form; mold; mould; shape; work (make something, usually for a specific function)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

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

machinist (a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Make by machinery

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Context example:

The Americans were machining while others still hand-made cars

Hypernyms (to "machine" is one way to...):

create; make; produce (create or manufacture a man-made product)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

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

machinery (machines or machine systems collectively)

machinist (a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools)

 Context examples 

Mercury retrograde will show you when the gears in your machines are wearing out or when the software is not behaving properly.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

A device consisting of a motor and accessory parts designed to power a machine.

(Motor Drive Unit Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)

Some require you to stay still for a long time inside a machine.

(Diagnostic Imaging, NIH)

This prince has several machines fixed on wheels, for the carriage of trees and other great weights.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

During the scan, you lie on a table that slides inside a tunnel-shaped machine.

(MRI Scans, NIH)

Images are made using a special machine that detects the radioactive substance.

(Nuclear medicine scan, NCI Dictionary)

A study using radioisotope tagged blood components and a nuclear scanning machine to monitor the blood flow to the myocardium during or immediately following exercise.

(Nuclear Stress Test, NCI Thesaurus)

It was like the slot machines wherein one dropped pennies, and, with a metallic whirl of machinery had delivered to him a stick of chewing-gum or a tablet of chocolate.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

However, they acknowledge that — like living organisms — no two biohybrid machines will be the same.

(Researchers build microscopic biohybrid robots propelled by muscles, nerves, National Science Foundation)

The different substances may be visible to the eye or detected by a special machine.

(Chromatography, NCI Dictionary)