Device Meaning

UK /dɪˈvaɪs/
US /dɪˈvaɪs/
Word Definition
device meaning

Device Definition & Usage

noun

A tool, machine, or piece of equipment that serves a specific function or purpose.

Examples

  • "She used a new device to track her workouts."
  • "The hospital installed several medical devices to monitor patient health."
  • "His phone is his most important device for work and entertainment."
  • "The security device automatically locks the doors when activated."
  • "The chef employed a special kitchen device to chop vegetables more quickly."
noun

A technique or tool used in literature, speech, or communication to achieve a specific effect or convey a message.

Examples

  • "The author skillfully used the device of foreshadowing to build tension."
  • "Metaphors are a powerful device in poetry."
  • "Irony is a common rhetorical device used to highlight contradictions."
  • "The speaker employed the device of repetition to drive home his point."
  • "The plot twist was an unexpected narrative device that shocked the audience."
noun

A piece of technology or equipment designed for a particular function in fields such as computing, electronics, or communication.

Examples

  • "They just released a new device with a faster processor."
  • "The IoT device connects all your home appliances to the internet."
  • "A wearable device can help monitor your heart rate throughout the day."
  • "He installed a device to extend his Wi-Fi signal throughout the house."
  • "Smartphones are powerful devices that integrate multiple technologies into one."

Cultural Context

The word 'device' has roots in the Latin word 'divisus', meaning 'separated, divided'. Over time, it evolved in Middle English to represent a 'plan' or 'design' and later gained the meaning of a tool or apparatus. In modern times, it is most commonly associated with technology, such as smartphones, laptops, or any gadget that serves a specific purpose. In rhetoric, it has come to denote any literary technique or tool used to enhance communication.

The Ingenious Device

Story

The Ingenious Device

Lena had always been intrigued by technology. She was the first in her class to get a new smartphone, and while most of her friends were content with their older models, she couldn’t wait to try out the latest device. One afternoon, as she sat in her favorite café, she noticed a new gadget on the table next to her. It was sleek and shiny, something she had never seen before. The stranger sitting at the table, noticing her curiosity, smiled and said, 'This is a new device designed to help you stay connected while also ensuring your privacy.' She leaned forward, eager to learn more. 'What makes it so special?' she asked. The man explained, 'It’s a combination of a smartphone and a security device. It protects your personal data with an encrypted system while keeping you connected with all your apps and contacts.' Lena was impressed. 'That's an incredible device!' she said. 'It’s more than just a phone, it’s a tool that solves a big problem in today’s world.' As she left the café, Lena thought about how technology could be both a device and a solution, serving a specific function while also improving lives. That night, as she worked on her project for school, she used a rhetorical device, irony, to create a twist in her story. She realized that both the technological and literary devices played pivotal roles in shaping her world, each contributing to her understanding of how devices could transform the way she lived, communicated, and created.

The Ingenious Device