Device (Noun)
Meaning 1
Any clever maneuver; "he would stoop to any device to win a point"; "it was a great sales gimmick"; "a cheap promotions gimmick for greedy businessmen".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- A clever device to avoid responsibility was his specialty.
- She accused him of using underhanded devices to get out of helping with the household chores.
- It was a clever promotional device that the company's marketing team had devised to sell the new product.
- Her announcement was just a public relations device to distract from the real issue at hand.
- The lawsuit was merely a legal device to intimidate their competitors rather than a serious dispute.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
An emblematic design (especially in heraldry); "he was recognized by the device on his shield".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The knight's coat of arms featured a distinctive device, a golden eagle on a red background, which was passed down through his family for generations.
- The city's logo was actually an ancient device, originating from a medieval crest that symbolized the town's prosperity.
- During the tournament, each knight displayed his own unique device, proudly showcasing his heritage and allegiances.
- The shield bore the device of a proud lion, which had been the emblem of the noble family for centuries.
- In heraldry, a device was an essential part of a noble's identity, as it often represented their family history and values.
Meaning 3
An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The device is small enough to wear on your wrist.
- A device intended to conserve water has been installed in the shower.
- The device consists of a sensor, a processor, and a display screen.
- She used a device to open the jar, as the lid was stuck too tightly.
- The engineer created a device that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
- Vaporiser
- Constraint
- Rapper
- Gadget
- Convertor
- Throwing Board
- Ignition Interlock
- Contraption
- Reinforcement
- Dart Thrower
- Feeder
- Breathalyser
- Launcher
- Battery Charger
- Safety
- Gismo
- PTO
- Robot Pilot
- Energiser
- Ventilator
- Gizmo
- Preventative
- Spear Thrower
- Birth Control Device
- Contrivance
- Adaptor
- Pair Of Tongs
- Lure
- Aerofoil
- Control Surface
- Warning Device
- Asphyxiator
- Sensing Element
- Goad
- Doorknocker
- Foil
- Breathing Machine
- Breathing Apparatus
- Drop Press
- Aspersorium
- Warmer
- Autocue
- Moistener
- Button
- Alarm System
- Convenience
- Extinguisher
- Birdfeeder
- Muffler
- Automatic Pilot
- Surface
- Light
- Contraceptive Device
- Stabiliser
- Safety Device
- Igniter
- Plectrum
- Fender
- Storage Device
- Pacifier
- Preventive
- Plectron
- Decoy
- Ignitor
- Prophylactic Device
- Restorative
- Drop Hammer
- Widget
- Applier
- Sensor
- Instrument
- Baby's Dummy
- Remote
- Teething Ring
Meaning 4
Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery).
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- Her elaborate lace wedding veil featured an intricate device that added an extra layer of elegance to her overall appearance.
- The antique tablecloth was adorned with a beautiful device of interlocking florals and vines, carefully stitched by hand.
- The traditional African textile had a colorful device of geometric shapes and symbols, representing the tribe's rich heritage.
- The artist's use of subtle shading and gradations created a mesmerizing device on the painting's surface.
- The ornate device on the chapel's stained glass window told the story of a saint's life, with vivid colors and detailed illustrations.
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 5
Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The author's use of symbolism was a clever device to convey the themes of the novel without being too obvious.
- The playwright employed the device of a narrator to guide the audience through the complex plot.
- The poet's use of metaphor was a powerful device to evoke emotions in the reader.
- The novelist's device of alternating between past and present tense added depth and complexity to the story.
- The filmmaker's use of montage was a visual device to convey the chaos and confusion of the character's inner world.