əˈplīən(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: apply + -ance
1. : the act of applying or using : application
when schoolboys were punished by appliance of the birch
2. : something applied to a purpose or use: as
a. archaic : device , measure , stratagem
b. : a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose : accessory , fixture , attachment
c. : a tool, instrument, or device specially designed for a particular use : apparatus
fire-fighting appliances
d. : a household or office utensil, apparatus, instrument, or machine that utilizes a power supply, especially electric current (as a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, a toaster, an air conditioner)
3. obsolete : obedient service : compliance
Synonyms: see implement , machine