English Dictionary
◊ MACHINE
machine
n 1: any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or
modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance
of human tasks
2: an intricate organization that accomplishes its goals
efficiently; "the war machine"
3: an efficient person; "the boxer was a magnificent fighting
machine"
4: 4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal
combustion engine; "he needs a car to get to work" [syn: {car},
{auto}, {automobile}, {motorcar}]
5: a group that controls the activities of a political party;
"he was endorsed by the Democratic machine" [syn: {political
machine}]
6: a device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying
force at some other point [syn: {simple machine}]
v 1: turn, shape, mold, or otherwise finish by machinery
2: make by machinery
English Computing Dictionary
◊ MACHINE
machine
Common term for "computer", usually when considered at the
hardware level. The {Turing Machine}, an early example of
this usage, was however neither hardware nor software, but
only an idea.
[Earlier use?]
(1995-02-15)