n. & v.
n. 1 an apparatus using or applying mechanical power, having several parts each with a definite function and together performing certain kinds of work. 2 a particular kind of machine, esp. a vehicle, a piece of electrical or electronic apparatus, etc. 3 an instrument that transmits a force or directs its application. 4 the controlling system of an organization etc. (the party machine). 5 a person who acts mechanically and with apparent lack of emotion.
v.tr. make or operate on with a machine (esp. in sewing or printing). machine code (or language) a computer language that a particular computer can respond to directly. machine-readable in a form that a computer can process. machine tool a mechanically operated tool for working on metal, wood, or plastics. machine-tooled 1 shaped by a machine tool. 2 (of artistic presentation etc.) precise, slick, esp. excessively so.
[ F f. L machina f. Gk makhana Doric form of mekhane f. mekhos contrivance ]