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mechanical device

mechanical device

4 3.2
A machine with moving parts that does a particular job
  • noun
  • /mɪˈkænɪkəl dɪˈvaɪs/
translation icon : dispositivo mecánico
  • Students learned how to operate various mechanical devices in their engineering class.
  • mechanical device controls

One is as a power supply or let's say at the a store of potential energy for a mechanical device.

Examples

  • Caltech-led physicists create the first-ever mechanical device that measures the mass of a single molecule.

    Blog text (8)
  • Writing computer programs to solve complicated engineering problems and to control mechanical devices is a basic skill.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Anybody have any mechanical devices?

  • Many developed a keen interest in the application of information technology to mechanical devices.

    Academic text (2009)
  • With tools and mechanical devices of all kinds, we create, arrest, limit, and regulate movement.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Mechanical devices are far less complicated than a software user interface with multiple operating modes.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Many of these early mechanical devices can be seen and heard today in museums dedicated to preserving such traditions.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Binatrol diaphragm switches are mechanical devices that require no input power.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Measurements are done with a mechanical device, either plastic or metal, and resemble a geometry protractor.

    Academic text (1990)
  • In the 1890s, Torres-Quevedo built a series of mechanical devices that solved algebraic equations.

    Blog text (13)

Synonyms

device
vsmechanical device
2.1

A machine or tool made to do a particular job

has a narrower sense, stressing operation by moving parts and physical principles
machine
vsmechanical device
1.0

A powered device with moving parts that does a specific job

focuses more on operation by moving parts and physical principles than on power source
mechanism
vsmechanical device
  • Jargon
91 4.4

A group of moving parts that work together to do a job

is the general apparatus that operates by those same moving parts and principles

How Complex

apparatus
45 6.1
machine
1.0
mechanical device
4 3.2
mechanism
  • Jargon
91 4.4
gadget
142 2.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

mechanical + device

The noun phrase is directly compositional: 'mechanical' (relating to machines) modifies 'device' (an item made for a practical purpose), so the combined meaning of a machine/apparatus follows straightforwardly. This standard adjective + noun pattern is cross-linguistically common and easily predictable for a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Mechanical device gives a clear picture: mechanical points to moving parts like gears or springs and device means a tool or small machine. So the phrase means 'a machine' that uses those moving parts to do a job.