de‧vice S3 W2 AC / dɪvaɪs / 名词 [可数名词]

1 a machine or tool that does a special job 同义词 gadget :

modern labour-saving devices

device for doing something

a device for separating metal from garbage

device to do something

The company makes devices to detect carbon monoxide.

2 a special way of doing something that makes it easier to do

device for doing something

Testing yourself with information on cards is a useful device for studying.

a memory device

3 a plan or trick, especially for a dishonest purpose

device to do something

Their proposal was only a device to confuse the opposition.

4 a bomb or other explosive weapon

explosive/nuclear/incendiary etc device

5 the special use of words in literature, or of words, lights etc in a play, to achieve an effect :

Metaphor is a common literary device.

→ leave somebody to their own devices at leave 1 ( 4 )

COLLOCATIONS

ADJECTIVES/NOUN + device

an electronic device The shops are always full of new electronic devices.

a mechanical device (= using power from an engine or machine ) One day it will be technically possible to replace patients’ hearts with mechanical devices.

a simple device He invented a simple device for chopping onions.

a clever device (= made using a clever idea ) This clever little device rings to tell you where you left your keys.

a labour-saving device British English , a labor-saving device American English (= that reduces the amount of work you have to do ) Modern houses have so many labour-saving devices.

a security device (= designed to protect against crime ) Cars today have better alarms and security devices.

a safety device (= designed to keep people safe ) The accident happened because a simple safety device wasn’t properly fitted.

a handheld device (= that you hold in your hand ) This is a handheld device for playing electronic games.

a storage device (= a computer device for storing information electronically ) You may need an additional storage device if you have a lot of data.

a medical device The company makes medical devices that use laser technology for correcting eye disorders.