—n.
1 an apparatus using or applying mechanical power, having several parts each with a definite function and together performing certain kinds of work.
2 a particular kind of machine, esp. a vehicle, a piece of electrical or electronic apparatus, etc.
3 an instrument that transmits a force or directs its application.
4 the controlling system of an organization etc. (the party machine).
5 a person who acts mechanically and with apparent lack of emotion.
—v.tr. make or operate on with a machine (esp. in sewing or printing).
Phrases and idioms:
machine code (or language) a computer language that a particular computer can respond to directly. machine-readable in a form that a computer can process. machine tool a mechanically operated tool for working on metal, wood, or plastics. machine-tooled
1 shaped by a machine tool.
2 (of artistic presentation etc.) precise, slick, esp. excessively so.
Etymology: F f. L machina f. Gk makhana Doric form of mekhane f. mekhos contrivance
Useful english dictionary. 2012.