machine (məˈʃiːn
)
Definitions
noun
- an assembly of interconnected components arranged to transmit or modify force in order to perform useful work
- Also called
simple machine a device for altering the magnitude or direction of a force, esp a lever, screw, wedge, or pulley - a mechanically operated device or means of transport, such as a car, aircraft, etc
- any mechanical or electrical device that automatically performs tasks or assists in performing tasks
- (modifier) denoting a firearm that is fully automatic as distinguished from semiautomatic
- ((in combination) ⇒
machine pistol
machine gun
- any intricate structure or agency ⇒
the war machine
- a mechanically efficient, rigid, or obedient person
- an organized body of people that controls activities, policies, etc
- (esp in the classical theatre) a device such as a pulley to provide spectacular entrances and exits for supernatural characters
- an event, etc, introduced into a literary work for special effect
verb
- (tr) to shape, cut, or remove (excess material) from (a workpiece) using a machine tool
- to use a machine to carry out a process on (something)
Alternative Forms
maˈchinable maˈchineable adjective maˌchinaˈbility noun maˈchineless adjective maˈchine-ˌlike adjectiveWord Origin
C16: via French from Latin māchina machine, engine, from Doric Greek makhana pulley; related to makhos device, contrivanceSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
appliance,
device,
apparatus,
engine,
tool,
instrument,
mechanism,
gadget,
contraption,
gizmo,
contrivance,
Quotations
"Machines are worshipped because they are beautiful and valued because they confer power; they are hated because they are hideous and loathed because they impose slavery"
Translations
- British English:
machine
A machine is a piece of equipment which uses electricity or an engine in order to do a particular kind of work.The machine was switched off.məˈʃiːn NOUN The machine was switched off.
- Spanish:
máquina
nf
- French:
machine
nf
- German:
Maschine
nf
- Chinese: 机器 n
- Arabic: مَاكِينَةٌ n
- Portuguese: máquina nf
- Russian: машина nf
- Croatian: aparat nm
- Czech: stroj nm
- Danish: maskine nutr
- Dutch: machine nf
- Finnish: kone n
- Greek: μηχανή nf
- Italian: macchina nf
- Japanese: 機械 n
- Korean: 기계 n
- Norwegian: maskin nm
- Polish: maszyna nf
- Brazilian Portuguese: máquina nf
- European Spanish:
máquina
nf
- Swedish: maskin nutr
- Thai: เครื่องจักร n
- Turkish: makine n
- Vietnamese: máy n
Usage examples
Somebody was practising using a ball machine on one of the courts.
, BETTER THAN THIS (2002)The modern machine , at least in its most refined form, is the result of attention to every means of reducing wind drag.
Cycling Weekly (2004)In the event, about 500 members of the party faithful turned out to set the election machine in motion.
Irish Times (2002)Other demises include a man hitting his head at the bottom of a swimming pool and a baker falling into his mixing machine.
Glasgow Herald (2001)The Pucelle was being stripped of her frills and turned into a fighting machine.
, SHARPE'S TRAFALGAR (2001)