machine

machine [mə shēn′]

n.

[Fr < L machina < Gr mēchanē, a machine, engine < mēchos, a contrivance < IE base * magh-, to be able, help > MAY¹, MIGHT²]

1. Now Rare a structure or built-up fabric of any kind

2. Old-fashioned a vehicle, as an automobile, bicycle, etc.

3.

a) a structure consisting of a framework and various fixed and moving parts, for doing some kind of work; mechanism [a sewing machine]

b) any device thought of as functioning in such a way, as as electronic computer or a device for automatically answering telephone calls

4.

a) a person or organization regarded as acting like a machine, without thought or will

b) a complex organization coordinated to function in a smooth, effective way [the military machine ]

☆ 5.

a) the members of a political party or group who control policy and confer patronage

b) the party organization generally

6. a device or apparatus, as in the ancient theater, for producing stage effects

7. Archaic a literary device for dramatic effect, as a supernatural agent or force introduced into a poem

8. Mech. a device, as a lever or pulley, that transmits, or changes the application of, energy

adj.

1. of or for a machine or machines

2. made or done by machinery

3. standardized; stereotyped

vt.

machined, machining

to make, shape, finish, etc. by machinery

machinable

adj.