machinery
English meaning: Machinery
Definition
The machines constituting a production apparatus, in a plant etc., collectively.
Example
“Workers are warned not to operate heavy machinery when tired.”
Another example: “The entire machinery of the state was mobilized for the election.”
Usage — When, Where & How
An uncountable noun for machines collectively ('heavy machinery'), or figuratively for the organized parts of a system ('the machinery of government'). Neutral to formal register; takes singular agreement.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'machine' (from Greek 'mekhane', contrivance) plus '-ry', the collective noun attested from the 17th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- heavy machinery
- agricultural machinery
- machinery of government
- operate machinery
- industrial machinery
Word Forms
machine (n); machinery (n, uncountable)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B