machine
UK: məˈʃiːn | US: məˈʃiːn
n. a mechanical or electrical device designed to perform a specific task
n. a system or structure functioning similarly to a mechanical device
n. (figurative) an efficient, rigidly controlled group or organization
The word "machine" traces back to the Latin machina (device, engine), derived from Greek mēkhanē (contrivance, tool). The Greek root mēkh- implies ingenuity or clever design, reflecting early mechanical inventions. The suffix -ine (via French -ine) nominalizes the concept. Over time, "machine" expanded from literal mechanical devices to metaphorical systems (e.g., "political machine").
The factory installed a new machine to automate packaging.
The human body is often compared to a complex machine.
The party’s campaign operated like a well-oiled machine.
She learned to operate the sewing machine efficiently.
Ancient engineers designed war machines to breach city walls.