mechanical device
- noun
- /mɪˈkænɪkəl dɪˈvaɪs/
- 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.
- One is as a power supply or let's say at the a store of potential energy for a mechanical device.
Examples
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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?
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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.
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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
A machine or tool made to do a particular job
A powered device with moving parts that does a specific job
A group of moving parts that work together to do a job
How Complex
Surface Forms
Morphology
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.