- The definition of machine is relating to a mechanical device.
An example of a machine used as an adjective is the term "machine cut" which means cut by a mechanical instrument or tool.
- Machine is defined as a mechanical device.
An example of a machine is an electric bread maker.
A bread making machine.
- Now Rare a structure or built-up fabric of any kind
- Old-fashioned a vehicle, as an automobile, bicycle, etc.
- a structure consisting of a framework and various fixed and moving parts, for doing some kind of work; mechanism: a sewing machine
- any device thought of as functioning in such a way, as as electronic computer or a device for automatically answering telephone calls
- a person or organization regarded as acting like a machine, without thought or will
- a complex organization coordinated to function in a smooth, effective way: the military machine
- the members of a political party or group who control policy and confer patronage
- the party organization generally
- a device or apparatus, as in the ancient theater, for producing stage effects
- Archaic a literary device for dramatic effect, as a supernatural agent or force introduced into a poem
- Mech. a device, as a lever or pulley, that transmits, or changes the application of, energy
Origin of machineFrench ; from Classical Latin machina ; from Classical Greek mēchanē, a machine, engine ; from mēchos, a contrivance ; from Indo-European base an unverified form magh-, to be able, help from source may, might
- of or for a machine or machines
- made or done by machinery
- standardized; stereotyped
- a. A device consisting of fixed and moving parts that modifies mechanical energy and transmits it in a more useful form.b. See simple machine.c. See compound machine.
- A system or device for doing work, as an automobile or jackhammer, together with its power source and auxiliary equipment.
- A system or device, such as a computer, that performs or assists in the performance of a human task: The machine is down.
- An intricate natural system or organism, such as the human body.
- A person who acts in a rigid, mechanical, or unconscious manner.
- An organized group of people whose members are or appear to be under the control of one or more leaders: a political machine.
- a. A device used to produce a stage effect, especially a mechanical means of lowering an actor onto the stage.b. A literary device used to produce an effect, especially the introduction of a supernatural being to resolve a plot.
- An answering machine: Leave a message on my machine if I'm not home.
verbma·chined, ma·chin·ing, ma·chines
Origin of machineFrench, from Old French, from Latin māchina, from Greek mākhanā, dialectal variant of mēkhanē; see magh- in Indo-European roots.
- A mechanical or electrical device that performs or assists in the performance of human tasks, whether physical or computational, laborious or for entertainment.
- (archaic) A vehicle operated mechanically; an automobile.
- (telephony, abbreviation) An answering machine or, by extension, voice mail.
- I called you earlier, but all I got was the machine.
- (computing) A computer.
- Game developers assume they're pushing the limits of the machine.
- (figuratively) A person or organisation that seemingly acts like a machine, being particularly efficient, single-minded, or unemotional.
- Bruce Campbell was a "demon-killing machine" because he made quick work of killing demons.
- The government has become a money-making machine.
- Especially, the group that controls a political or similar organization; a combination of persons acting together for a common purpose, with the agencies which they use.
- Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.
(third-person singular simple present machines, present participle machining, simple past and past participle machined)
- to make by machinery.
- to shape or finish by machinery.
machine - Computer Definition
- A simple, unpowered instrument, such as a lever, pulley, or inclined plane, that is used for performing some kind of work by transmitting or changing the direction of energy.
- A powered mechanical device, such as an automobile or drill press, that consists of a structure and various moving and unmoving parts and is for doing some kind of work.
- An electronic device, such as a computer or facsimile machine, that can be thought of as operating on a mechanical basis. Such machines have automated many of the functions previously performed by humans. See also human.
Any electronic or electromechanical unit of equipment. A machine is always hardware; however, "engine" may refer to hardware or software. See engine. The term can sound old fashioned or high-tech. For example, when an older generation is subjected to a new technology, a new device is often called a machine. In times past, even a microphone was called a machine. However, "machine language" is 21st century terminology, and "machine architecture," "machine tools" and other "machine" terminology is not at all antiquated.