Definition of Device

1. Noun. An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose. "A device intended to conserve water"

Specialized synonyms: Acoustic Device, Adapter, Adaptor, Afterburner, Agglomerator, Aerofoil, Airfoil, Control Surface, Surface, Alarm, Alarm System, Warning Device, Appliance, Contraption, Contrivance, Convenience, Gadget, Gismo, Gizmo, Widget, Applicator, Applier, Aspergill, Aspersorium, Automatic Pilot, Autopilot, Robot Pilot, Bait, Decoy, Lure, Billiard Marker, Bird Feeder, Birdfeeder, Feeder, Blower, Bootjack, Breathalyser, Breathalyzer, Breathing Apparatus, Breathing Device, Breathing Machine, Ventilator, Bubbler, Buffer, Fender, Catapult, Launcher, Battery Charger, Charger, Clip-on, Comb, Baby's Dummy, Comforter, Pacifier, Teething Ring, Conductor, Birth Control Device, Contraceptive, Contraceptive Device, Preventative, Preventive, Prophylactic Device, Converter, Convertor, Corer, Corrective, Restorative, Crusher, Cryptograph, Cutoff, Dampener, Moistener, Damper, Muffler, Deflector, Dental Appliance, Depressor, Detector, Sensing Element, Sensor, Diestock, Drive, Drop Forge, Drop Hammer, Drop Press, Elastic Device, Electrical Device, Electronic Device, Energiser, Energizer, Exercise Device, Explosive Device, Fan, Filter, Asphyxiator, Extinguisher, Fire Extinguisher, Flare, Fumigator, Gas Fixture, Groover, Guard, Safety, Safety Device, Heater, Warmer, Heat Exchanger, Holding Device, Horn, Foil, Hydrofoil, Imprint, Indicator, Instrument, Ignition Interlock, Interlock, Interrupter, Jig, Key, Keyboard, Kinetoscope, Doorknocker, Knocker, Rapper, Lift, Lifting Device, Igniter, Ignitor, Light, Lighter, Machine, Magnet, Mechanism, Memory Device, Storage Device, Instrument, Musical Instrument, Nest Egg, Noisemaker, Optical Device, Override, Paper Feed, Peeler, Pick, Plectron, Plectrum, Power Takeoff, Pto, Goad, Prod, Autocue, Prompter, Pull, Reflector, Button, Release, Remote, Remote Control, Reset, Constraint, Restraint, Router, Runner, Scratcher, Shoehorn, Shoetree, Shooting Stick, Shredder, Signaling Device, Snowshoe, Sounder, Source Of Illumination, Stabiliser, Stabilizer, Stemmer, Straightener, Reinforcement, Strengthener, Stylus, Suction Cup, Support, Sweatbox, Synchroflash, Take-up, Teaser, Dart Thrower, Spear Thrower, Throwing Board, Throwing Stick, Tilter, Pair Of Tongs, Tongs, Toy, Trap, Trigger, Valve, Vaporiser, Vaporizer, Ventilator, Washboard, Water Cooler
Generic synonyms: Instrumentality, Instrumentation

2. Noun. Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect.
Generic synonyms: Expressive Style, Style
Specialized synonyms: Conceit, Rhetorical Device

3. Noun. Any clever maneuver. "A cheap promotions gimmick for greedy businessmen"
Exact synonyms: Gimmick, Twist
Generic synonyms: Maneuver, Manoeuvre, Tactical Maneuver, Tactical Manoeuvre
Specialized synonyms: Mnemonic, Fast One, Trick

4. Noun. Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery).
Generic synonyms: Design, Figure, Pattern
Specialized synonyms: Seal, Stamp

5. Noun. An emblematic design (especially in heraldry). "He was recognized by the device on his shield"
Generic synonyms: Emblem
Specialized synonyms: Union
Category relationships: Heraldry

Definition of Device


Definition of Device

1. Noun. Any piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially a mechanical or electrical one. ¹

2. Noun. A project or scheme, often designed to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice. ¹

3. Noun. (rhetoric) A technique that an author or speaker uses to evoke an emotional response in the audience; a rhetorical '''device'''. ¹


5. Noun. (legal) An image used in whole or in part as a trademark or service mark. ¹

6. Noun. (printing) An image or logo denoting official or proprietary authority or provenience. ¹

7. Noun. (obsolete) A spectacle or show. ¹

8. Noun. (obsolete) Opinion; decision. ¹

9. Noun. (obsolete) Power of devising; invention; contrivance. ¹

¹ Source:

Definition of Device

1. something devised or constructed for a specific purpose [n -S]

Medical Definition of Device

1. 1. That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice. "His device in against Babylon, to destroy it." (Jer. Li. 11) "Their recent device of demanding benevolences." (Hallam) "He disappointeth the devices of the crafty." (Job v. 12) 2. Power of devising; invention; contrivance. "I must have instruments of my own device." (Landor) 3. An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See Cognizance. Improperly, an heraldic bearing. "Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields." (Addison) "A banner with this strange device - Excelsior." (Longfellow) 4. Anything fancifully conceived. 5. A spectacle or show. 6. Opinion; decision. Synonym: Contrivance, invention, design, scheme, project, stratagem, shift. Device, Contrivance. Device implies more of inventive power, and contrivance more of skill and dexterity in execution. A device usually has reference to something worked out for exhibition or show; a contrivance usually respects the arrangement or disposition of things with reference to securing some end. Devices were worn by knights-errant on their shields; contrivances are generally used to promote the practical convenience of life. The word device is often used in a bad sense; as, a crafty device; contrivance is almost always used in a good sense; as, a useful contrivance. Origin: OE. Devis, devise, will, intention, opinion, invention, fr. F. Devis architect's plan and estimates (in OF, division, plan, wish), devise device (in sense 3), in OF. Also, division, wish, last will, fr. Deviser. See Devise, and cf. Devise. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Device Pictures


Lexicographical Neighbors of Device

deviation ratio
deviation to the left
deviation to the right
deviational nystagmus
device (current term)
device approval
device characteristic
device driver
devil's advocate
devil's advocates

Literary usage of Device


"Such device contains, in my opinion, the mechanical equivalent of the so-called May ... It is substantially the same thing as the device described in the ..."

"Describe a convenient portable load device for meter A very convenient and easily portable load device can be formed from six porcelain resistances. ..."

3. Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association by American philological association (1898)
"Disguising on the Stage as a Dramatic device in Sanskrit Plays, by Professor AV Williams Jackson, of Columbia University. Disguising on the stage by ..."

4. Proceedings of the United States Naval Institute by United States Naval Institute (1897)
"The Obry device for steering torpedoes is an application of the ... These torpedoes, before the installation of this device, had no vertical rudders, ..."

5. South Eastern Reporter by West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, West Publishing Company, South Carolina Supreme Court (1922)
"1. It avers the same matter, but goes more into detail. It alleges at length how it "owned and controlled" the device known as the ..."

6. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1866)
"device, wild boar on the point of a spear—" Aut mors aut vita ... device, small thorn bush nud a bloody hand. $8 Bill in 1775. A harp—"Majora minoribus ..."

"89 ORIFICE METER SEALING device TH KERR, THE Oino FUEL SUPPLY Co., COLUMBUS, ... This device is very necessary where gas is being sold by orifice meters and ..."

Other Resources Relating to: Device

Search for Device on!Search for Device on!Search for Device on Google!Search for Device on Wikipedia!