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Added 9 October 2026

device

/dɪˈvaɪs/ noun

In Latin: māchina Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about device at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose.
the device is small enough to wear on your wrist
Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect.
Any clever maneuver.
he would stoop to any device to win a point

Origin

From Middle English devis, devise, devyce, devys, devyse, from Old French devis and devise, from Latin dīvīsus, past participle of dīvidō (“to divide”). Doublet of devise (noun).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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