appliance
UK: əˈplaɪəns | US: əˈplaɪəns
n. a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, typically in the household (e.g., kitchen appliance).
n. the action of applying or putting something into use (archaic/technical usage).
appliance = apply<to put to use> + ance<noun suffix indicating action or state>
- apply: From Latin applicare ("to attach, join, or put to use"), derived from ad- (toward) + plicare (to fold). Over time, it evolved to mean "to put into practical use."
- ance: A suffix forming nouns denoting a state or action (e.g., "performance," "resistance").
Etymology Origin:
The word "appliance" emerged in Late Middle English (15th century) from the verb apply, reflecting the concept of "putting something into use." Originally, it referred broadly to the act of application (e.g., applying effort). By the 19th century, it narrowed to describe mechanical devices that "apply" functionality (e.g., household tools). The suffix -ance solidified its role as a noun.
The store sells a wide range of kitchen appliances, from blenders to microwaves.
Modern appliances are designed to save energy and reduce utility costs.
The mechanic repaired the faulty appliance in under an hour.
In older texts, "appliance" sometimes referred to the diligent application of effort.
Smart appliances can now be controlled remotely via smartphone apps.