device

noun 1 a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, esp. a mechanical or electronic contrivance : a measuring device. • an explosive contrivance; a bomb : an incendiary device. • archaic the design or look of something : works of strange device. 2 a plan, scheme, or trick with a particular aim : writing a public letter is a traditional device for signaling dissent. • a turn of phrase intended to produce a particular effect in speech or a literary work : a rhetorical device. 3 a drawing or design : the decorative device on the invitations. • an emblematic or heraldic design : their shields bear the device of the Blazing Sun.