machine

noun

1. Now Rare a structure or built-up fabric of any kind
2. Old-fashioned a vehicle, as an automobile, bicycle, etc.
3. 1. a structure consisting of a framework and various fixed and moving parts, for doing some kind of work; mechanism a sewing machine
   2. any device thought of as functioning in such a way, as as electronic computer or a device for automatically answering telephone calls
4. 1. a person or organization regarded as acting like a machine, without thought or will
   2. a complex organization coordinated to function in a smooth, effective way the military machine
5. ☆
   1. the members of a political party or group who control policy and confer patronage
   2. the party organization generally
6. a device or apparatus, as in the ancient theater, for producing stage effects
7. Archaic a literary device for dramatic effect, as a supernatural agent or force introduced into a poem
8. Mech. a device, as a lever or pulley, that transmits, or changes the application of, energy

Etymology: Fr < L machina < Gr mēchanē, a machine, engine < mēchos, a contrivance < IE base *magh-, to be able, help > may, might

adjective

1. of or for a machine or machines
2. made or done by machinery
3. standardized; stereotyped

transitive verb machined -·chined′, machining -·chin′·ing