machines
/məˈʃiːnz/
NOUN
1. Devices that use or direct energy to perform work
Mechanical or electrical devices consisting of interconnected components that use energy to perform tasks, produce movement, process materials, or achieve specific effects.
1.1. Mechanical equipment and appliances
Refers to devices and equipment designed to perform specific tasks, simplify physical work, or carry out mechanical and electrical operations.
Synonyms
- appliances
- mechanisms
- converters
- transformers
- tools
- equipments
Examples
- The gym was filled with various exercise machines for a comprehensive workout.
- In the workshop, skilled artisans operated precision machines to craft intricate designs.
- Factories today rely on automated assembly machines for increased efficiency and productivity.
Related Words
- machinery
- apparatus
- equipment
- engines
- devices
- instruments
- implements
- automation
- mechanical systems
1.2. Computers and electronic devices
Describes computers and programmable electronic devices that process information, execute instructions, and perform computational tasks.
Synonyms
- computers
Examples
- The research laboratory uses powerful machines to process complex scientific data.
- Modern machines can perform millions of calculations within seconds.
Related Words
- processors
- hardware
- software
- servers
- microprocessors
- programming
- computing
- artificial intelligence
NOUN
2. Motor vehicles and automobiles
Vehicles operated by mechanical or motorized power, particularly automobiles and other road vehicles used for transporting people or goods.
2.1. Cars and passenger vehicles
Refers to automobiles and different types of motor vehicles, including passenger cars, sports cars, buses, and utility vehicles.
Synonyms
- automobiles
- autos
- cars
- motorcars
- motor vehicles
- SUVs
- sport-utility vehicles
- convertibles
- coupes
- sedans
- roadsters
- station wagons
- wagons
- vans
- minivans
- limousines
- coaches
- buses
- minibuses
- microbuses
- jitneys
- phaetons
- touring cars
- sports cars
- muscle cars
- stock cars
- hybrids
Examples
- The car dealership displayed several new machines, including SUVs, convertibles, and sports cars.
- The collection featured vintage machines ranging from classic roadsters to luxury limousines.
- The automotive exhibition showcased different types of motor vehicles from around the world.
Related Words
2.2. Informal names for old or distinctive cars
Refers to automobiles described by informal, humorous, or slang expressions, often emphasizing their age, appearance, size, or performance.
Synonyms
- beaters
- clunkers
- crates
- cream puffs
- flivvers
- gas-guzzlers
- jalopies
- junkers
- land yachts
- tin lizzies
- woodies
Examples
- The parking lot was filled with old machines, including several rusty jalopies and clunkers.
- Car enthusiasts gathered to admire the vintage machines at the weekend exhibition.
Related Words
- vintage cars
- classic automobiles
- old vehicles
- used cars
- automotive slang
- car enthusiasts
NOUN
3. People or organizations that operate like machines
People or organized groups that function with exceptional efficiency, discipline, coordination, or single-minded determination, sometimes appearing unemotional or impersonal.
3.1. Highly efficient individuals
Describes people who perform tasks with remarkable consistency, speed, precision, and determination, seemingly operating like machines.
Synonyms
- automata
- robots
- workhorses
Examples
- The athletes performed like well-oiled machines throughout the tournament.
- The workers operated like machines, completing repetitive tasks with remarkable speed.
Related Words
- efficiency
- productivity
- discipline
- precision
- consistency
- performance
- determination
3.2. Political and organizational systems
Refers to organized groups, networks, or institutional structures that coordinate people and resources to pursue common objectives or exercise political influence.
Synonyms
- organizations
- systems
- apparatuses
- networks
- factions
- blocs
Examples
- The political machines controlled local elections through extensive networks of supporters.
- The campaign machines mobilized volunteers and resources across several districts.
- The administrative machines continued operating despite changes in leadership.
Related Words
- political machinery
- administration
- bureaucracy
- institutions
- governance
- leadership
- coordination
- political influence
NOUN
4. Answering machines and voicemail systems
Devices or electronic services that automatically answer telephone calls and record messages when the intended recipient is unavailable.
4.1. Telephone message recording
Refers to answering machines or voicemail systems used to receive, record, and store telephone messages for later retrieval.
Synonyms
- answering machines
- voicemail systems
- answerphones
Examples
- The office still uses traditional answering machines to record messages after business hours.
- The company replaced its old answering machines with a modern voicemail system.
Related Words
NOUN
5. Supernatural agencies and theatrical devices
Supernatural forces, divine interventions, or theatrical mechanisms introduced to bring about extraordinary events or resolve difficult situations in a dramatic work.
5.1. Classical theater and divine intervention
Refers to theatrical machinery or supernatural intervention, particularly the deus ex machina device in classical Greek drama, used to introduce a god or unexpected solution to resolve a plot.
Synonyms
- deus ex machina
- divine interventions
Examples
- The playwright used theatrical machines to create the appearance of divine intervention.
- Critics argued that the story relied too heavily on unexpected supernatural interventions to resolve its conflicts.
Related Words
- Greek theater
- stage machinery
- dramatic resolution
- supernatural agency
- plot devices
- theatrical conventions
- dramatic effects
VERB
6. To manufacture or shape using machinery
To produce, process, shape, or finish objects and materials using machines or mechanical equipment.
6.1. Manufacturing and production
Describes producing or completing goods and components through the use of industrial machines and mechanical production equipment.
Synonyms
- produces
- manufactures
- fabricates
- constructs
- builds
- assembles
- completes
- consummates
- executes
- fulfills
- fulfils
- performs
- effects
- discharges
- carries out
- carries through
- finishes
- finalizes
Antonyms
Examples
- The factory machines precision components for the automotive industry.
- The manufacturer machines metal parts to meet exact engineering specifications.
- The workshop machines and finishes each component before final assembly.
Related Words
- manufacturing
- machining
- fabrication
- production
- industrial processing
- automation
- mechanization
- machine tools
6.2. Improving or refining something
Describes making something better, more effective, or more complete through a process of refinement, adjustment, or improvement.
Synonyms
- ameliorates
- amends
- betters
- enhances
- enriches
- improves
- meliorates
- perfects
- polishes
- refines
- shines
- touches up
Examples
- The editor carefully polishes and refines the manuscript before publication.
- The company improves its production process through continuous adjustments.
Related Words
- improvement
- refinement
- enhancement
- correction
- optimization
- development