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| ma·chine [ mə shn ] |
noun (plural ma·chines) |
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1. mechanical device: a device with moving parts, often powered by electricity, used to perform a task, especially one that would otherwise be done by hand
  a washing machine
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2. simple unpowered device: a simple device used to overcome resistance at one point by applying force at another point, e.g. a lever, pulley, or an inclined plane
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3. powered form of transportation: an engine-driven means of transportation, e.g. an aircraft, car, or motorcycle
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4. group of people in control: an organized group of people that controls or directs something, especially a political group
the party machine
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5. complex system: a complex system structured so as to accomplish a particular goal
the war machine
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6. somebody who behaves mechanically: somebody who is regarded as behaving like a mechanical device, e.g. somebody who is efficient but uncreative
men trained as deadly machines
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7. theater device to produce stage effects: a mechanical device used in the theater, especially in classical drama, to create special effects such as the entrance of a supernatural being
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8. literature literary device: a character or factor introduced into a work of literature to produce an effect or to resolve the plot
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verb (past and past participle ma·chined, present participle ma·chin·ing, 3rd person present singular ma·chines) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb work with power-driven tool: to cut, shape, or finish a piece of work using a power-driven tool such as a lathe or drilling device, or be cut, shaped, or finished in this way
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2. transitive verb use machine on something: to make or do something using a machine
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| [Mid-16th century. Via French< Latin machina "device" < Greek mēkhanē< mēkhos "means"] |
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