device
4 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
devices
plural
devices
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEVICE
[count]
1
:
an object, machine, or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose
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mechanical devices
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The store sells TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices.
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a hidden recording device
2
:
a weapon that explodes
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an explosive device [=a bomb]
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agreeing to dismantle all nuclear devices
3
:
something that is done in order to achieve a particular effect
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a marketing device
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a useful mnemonic device for remembering the names of the planets
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The company's method of tracking expenses is just a device to make it seem more profitable.
4
:
something in a book, play, poem, movie, etc., that is used to achieve a particular effect
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He is known for his use of irony and other literary devices.
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a contrived plot device
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the play's use of traditional comic devices such as slapstick
leave you to your own devices
◊ If someone leaves you to your own devices or you are left to your own devices, you are allowed to do what you want or what you are able to do without being controlled or helped by anyone else.
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The students were left to their own devices when the teacher failed to appear on time.
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Left to its own devices, the school would accept only the most advanced students.
