de ‧ vice S3 W2 AC /dɪˈvaɪs/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: devis , devise 'division, plan' , from deviser 'to divide, tell' ; ⇨ ↑ devise ]
1 . a machine or tool that does a special job SYN gadget :
modern labour-saving devices
device for doing something
a device for separating metal from garbage
device to do something
The company makes devices to detect carbon monoxide.
2 . a special way of doing something that makes it easier to do
device for doing something
Testing yourself with information on cards is a useful device for studying.
a memory device
3 . a plan or trick, especially for a dishonest purpose
device to do something
Their proposal was only a device to confuse the opposition.
4 . a bomb or other explosive weapon
explosive/nuclear/incendiary etc device
5 . the special use of words in literature, or of words, lights etc in a play, to achieve an effect:
Metaphor is a common literary device.
⇨ leave somebody to their own devices at ↑ leave 1 (4)
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COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + device
▪ an electronic device
The shops are always full of new electronic devices.
▪ a mechanical device (=using power from an engine or machine)
One day it will be technically possible to replace patients’ hearts with mechanical devices.
▪ a simple device
He invented a simple device for chopping onions.
▪ a clever device (=made using a clever idea)
This clever little device rings to tell you where you left your keys.
▪ a labour-saving device British English , a labor-saving device American English (=that reduces the amount of work you have to do)
Modern houses have so many labour-saving devices.
▪ a security device (=designed to protect against crime)
Cars today have better alarms and security devices.
▪ a safety device (=designed to keep people safe)
The accident happened because a simple safety device wasn’t properly fitted.
▪ a handheld device (=that you hold in your hand)
This is a handheld device for playing electronic games.
▪ a storage device (=a computer device for storing information electronically)
You may need an additional storage device if you have a lot of data.
▪ a medical device
The company makes medical devices that use laser technology for correcting eye disorders.