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electronic device

electronic device

30 3.2
A machine that uses electricity to process or send information like phones and computers
  • noun
  • /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɒnɪk dɪˈvaɪs/
translation icon : dispositivo electrónico
  • The coursepacks are offered digitally, accessible on your computer, Kindle, iPad, or other electronic devices.
  • using electronic devices
  • other electronic devices
  • electronic devices like computers

And I'm like, ma'am, what if this electronic device malfunctions?

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Examples

  • When the flight attendant told me to turn off and stow my electronic device, I felt almost grateful.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Please stow away all of your small electronic devices and place your phones on airplane mode.

  • Please turn off all electronic devices.

  • Also, all electronic devices must be turned off at this time.

  • All electronic devices must be turned off.

  • At this time, please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices.

  • Please turn off all electronic devices until we are safely parked at the gate.

  • Low-power, mobile electronic devices are becoming increasingly widespread, and they all need to be supplied with electricity.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Assistive technology can include optical and non-optical devices, adapted materials, and electronic devices.

    Academic text (2001)
  • During the conference, all participants were required to turn off their electronic devices to minimize distractions.

How Complex

system
2.7
appliance
115 2.3
electronic device
30 3.2
gadget
142 2.9
component
447 3.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

electronic + device

The meaning 'a device using electronic technology' is directly and compositionally derived from 'electronic' (relating to electronics) + 'device' (a manufactured item), so a learner who knows both words can infer the MWE meaning. This is a regular noun-noun/adj+noun composition found across languages, making it immediately transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Electronic device comes from the parts electronic (working by tiny electric parts) and device (a tool). Imagine tiny invisible bits moving in wires to make lights, sounds or pictures, and that image shows why electronic device means a tool that 'uses electricity' to do jobs.