different between machinery vs contraption

English

Etymology

From French machinerie (“machinery”), from machine (“machine”); see machine.

Pronunciation

• enPR: m?-sh?'n?-r?, IPA^(key): /m???i?n??i/
• Rhymes: -i?n??i

Noun

machinery (countable and uncountable, plural machineries)

1. The machines constituting a production apparatus, in a plant etc., collectively.
2. The working parts of a machine as a group.
3. The collective parts of something which allow it to function.

   All of the machinery of the law was brought to bear on the investigation.

4. (figuratively) The literary devices used in a work, notably for dramatic effect

Derived terms

• heavy machinery
• political machinery

Related terms

• machinist

Translations

Further reading

• machinery in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• machinery in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

• hemicrany

English

Etymology

Possibly a Western US English dialectal word of unknown origin. Perhaps from contrive + trap + -tion, while also possibly approximating construction. Chambers suggests contrivance + adaption. Neither Chambers nor Concise Oxford suggests a US origin. cf cantrip (Scots dialect), a wilful piece of trickery.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation, US) IPA^(key): /k?n?t?æp.??n/

Noun

contraption (plural contraptions)

1. A machine that is complicated and precarious.
2. (figuratively, derogatory or ironic) Any object.

Synonyms

• (mechanical device): contrivance, device, fandango, gadget, mechanism, construction

Translations

References