[ma.chine] n, often attrib [MF, fr. L machina, fr. Gk mechane (Dor dial. machana), fr. mechos means, expedient--more at may] (ca. 1545) 1 a archaic: a constructed thing whether material or immaterial b: conveyance, vehicle; esp: automobile c archaic: a military engine d: any of various apparatuses formerly used to produce stage effects e (1): an assemblage of parts that transmit forces, motion, and energy one to another in a predetermined manner (2): an instrument (as a lever) designed to transmit or modify the application of power, force, or motion f: a mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for performing a task "a calculating ~" "a card-sorting ~" g: a coin-operated device "a cigarette ~" h: machinery--used with the or in pl.
2. a: a living organism or one of its functional systems b: a person or organization that resembles a machine (as in being methodical, tireless, or unemotional) c (1): a combination of persons acting together for a common end along with the agencies they use (2): a highly organized political group under the leadership of a boss or small clique
3: a literary device or contrivance introduced for dramatic effect
[2]machine vt ma.chined ; ma.chin.ing (ca. 1864): to process by or as if by machine; esp: to reduce or finish by or as if by turning, shaping, planing, or milling by machine-operated tools -- ma.chin.abil.i.ty also ma.chine.abil.i.ty n -- ma.chin.able also ma.chine.able adj