contrivance
n
1 [C] ~ (for doing sth/to do sth)
(a) device or tool, esp one made by an individual for a particular purpose 機械裝置或用具(尤指為某用途而特制之物)
a contrivance for cutting curved shapes 可作曲線切削的用具
He erected some contrivance for storing rain-water. 他裝設了一種貯存雨水的器具.
(b) complicated or deceitful plan 計謀; 騙術
an ingenious contrivance to get her to sign the document without reading it 為使她不經過目就簽署文件的妙計.
2 [U] capacity to do or accomplish sth 能力
Some things are beyond human contrivance. 有些事情人們是無能為力的.
3 [U] action of contriving 發明; 設計
the contrivance of an effective method 一種實用方法的產生.