Machine Definition
mə-shēn
machined, machines, machining
noun
machines
A structure or built-up fabric of any kind.
Webster's New World
A structure consisting of a framework and various fixed and moving parts, for doing some kind of work; mechanism.
A sewing machine.
Webster's New World
A system or device for doing work, as an automobile or jackhammer, together with its power source and auxiliary equipment.
American Heritage
A vehicle, as an automobile, bicycle, etc.
Webster's New World
Any device thought of as functioning in such a way, as an electronic computer or a device for automatically answering telephone calls.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- robot
- grind
- automaton
- political-machine
- simple-machine
- motorcar
- automobile
- car
- auto
- diatype
- fototronic
- fotosetter
- elrod
- mechanicality
- zombie
adjective
Of or for a machine or machines.
Webster's New World
Of, relating to, or felt to resemble a machine.
Machine repairs; machine politics.
American Heritage
Made or done by machinery.
Webster's New World
Standardized; stereotyped.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- mechanomorphic
- automatous
- mechanical
- fotomatic
verb
machined, machines, machining
To make, shape, finish, etc. by machinery.
Webster's New World
To be cut, shaped, or finished by machine.
This metal machines easily.
American Heritage
Origin of Machine
-
Borrowing from Middle French machine, from Latin machina (“a machine, engine, contrivance, device, stratagem, trick"), from Ancient Greek μαχανά (makhana), Doric spelling of μηχανή (mÄ“khanÄ“, “a machine, engine, contrivance, device").
From Wiktionary
-
French from Old French from Latin māchina from Greek mākhanā dialectal variant of mēkhanē magh- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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