| 释义 |
de·vice
\də̇ˈvīs, dēˈ-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English devis, devise, from Old French devis will, intention & Old French devise dividing line, difference, wish, from deviser to divide, regulate, tell — more at devise
1. : something that is formed or formulated by design and usually with consideration of possible alternatives, experiment, and testing : something devised or contrived : contrivance, invention, project, scheme: as
a. : a scheme to deceive or overreach : artifice, stratagem
b. : something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design (as a trinket or a musical motive)
c. : something in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect (as a figure of speech, a special method of narration, or use of words or word sounds)
d. archaic : masque, spectacle
e. : a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function
< a device for measuring heat release >
< an improved steering device >
2. : will, desire, inclination, purpose — now used only in plural
< left to his own devices >
3.
a. : an emblematic design typically of one or more figures with a motto that is used especially as a heraldic bearing denoting the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it; sometimes : motto
b. : an emblematic figure that is used to identify usually an organization (as a publisher or navigation line)
4. archaic : invention, devising
5. obsolete : conversation, chat |