ETYM From Coin, cf. Cuinage.
Coins collectively; SYN. mintage, specie, metal money.
Gadget, thing, device, strange machine
1. An artificial or unnatural or obviously contrived arrangement of details or parts etc.
2. An elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade; SYN. stratagem, dodge.
3. The faculty of contriving; inventive skill.
ETYM Old Eng. devis, devise, will, intention, opinion, invention, from French devis architect's plan and estimates (in Old Fren., division, plan, wish), devise device, in Old Fren. also, division, wish, last will, from deviser. Related to Devise, Devise.
1. An instrumental invented for a particular purpose.
2. Any clever (deceptive) maneuver; SYN. gimmick, twist.
3. Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect.
4. Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery).
5. An emblematic design (especially in heraldry).
An often small article whose common name is unknown or forgotten; gadget
ETYM Latin inventio: cf. French invention. Related to Invent.
1. A new device or process created by study and experimentation; SYN. innovation.
2. The act of inventing.
3. The creation of something in the mind; SYN. innovation, excogitation, conception, design.
In music, a term not commonly used by composers, but made famous by Bach in his 15 Inventions for keyboard 1720. In two parts, each composition is contrapuntal and highly imitative, based upon a short melodic motif or phrase. Bach’s so-called “three-part inventions” were not named as such by the composer, but rather the term “sinfonia” was used instead (15 Sinfonias 1723).