device

/dɪˈvaɪs/
nounIntermediate
general

an object or machine designed to perform a specific function

The engineer tested a new electronic device.

The engineer evaluated a newly developed gadget.

💡

Commonly used to refer to electronic gadgets, tools, or medical instruments.

⚖️Law
formal

a legal term referring to a clause or provision in a document

The contract included a device to prevent fraud.

The contract had a clause to deter fraudulent activity.

💡

In legal contexts, 'device' can refer to a strategic clause or mechanism.

Collocations

electronic devicea gadget with electronic componentsmedical devicean instrument used in healthcarelegal devicea clause or strategy in a legal document

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

smart devicephrase
a device with advanced computing capabilities
wearable devicephrase
a device worn on the body for monitoring or communication

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'device' varies by context—electronic, medical, or legal.

Gold Rule

Avoid Ambiguity

Specify the type of device (e.g., 'medical device') to clarify meaning.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'devise' (plan, scheme), from Latin 'divisare' (to divide, arrange).

📝Usage Notes

In everyday language, 'device' often refers to electronic gadgets. In legal contexts, it can mean a strategic clause.

Word Breakdown

de-
from, away
prefix
+
-vise
to see, perceive
root
+
-ment
the result of
suffix
English Dictionary