machine
n
1 [C] (often in compounds 常用以構成復合詞) apparatus with several moving parts, designed to perform a particular task, and driven by electricity, steam, gas, etc, or by human power 機器; 機械
The scrap merchant has a machine which crushes cars. 那個廢品商有個壓碎汽車的機器.
a `sewing-machine, `washing-machine, etc 縫紉機、 洗衣機等* office machines, eg computers, word processors, photocopiers, etc 辦公用機器(如計算機、 文字處理機、 影印機等)
Machines have replaced human labour in many industries. 在很多工業中, 機器已取代了人力操作. =>Usage 見所附用法.
2 [C] (fig 比喻) person who acts automatically, without thinking 機械般行動而不動腦筋的人
Years of doing the same dull job can turn you into a machine. 成年地做一種單調工作, 能把活人也做成機器人.
3 [CGp] group of people that control (part of) an organization, etc (部分)控制某組織等的一夥人
the (political) party machine (政)黨的核心組織
The public relations machine covered up the firm's heavy losses. 公共關系部掩飾了該商行的嚴重虧損.
4 (idm 習語) a cog in the machine => cog. machine, v [Tn]
1 cut, shape, polish, etc (sth) with a machine 用機器切割、 制作或磨光(某物)
The edge of the disc had been machined flat/smooth. 圓盤的邊緣已用機器磨平[光].
2 make (clothes) using a sewing-machine 用縫紉機縫制(衣服)
I have to machine the hem. 我需用縫紉機縫邊. machine, NOTE ON USAGE 用法
Compare machine, tool, etc. 試比較machine、 tool等詞. A machine consists of moving parts powered by electricity, etc and is designed for a specific job. *machine是由電力等驅動的機器, 是為做某種工作而設計的. An (electrical) appliance is a machine used in the house, such as awashing-machine or dishwasher. *(electrical) appliance是家用電器, 如洗衣機或洗碟機. An apparatus is a system of connected machines, wires, etc *apparatus是相聯結的機器、 導線等系統
the apparatus for lighting the stage 舞臺照明設備. A tool is an object held in the hand, often used by people in their jobs, eg a hammer, drill or spanner. *tool是手持工具, 常為干活兒的人用的, 如 子、 鉆或扳子. An instrument is a tool designed for a technical task, eg a surgeon's knife. *instrument是為技術工作設計的工具, 如手術刀. It may have some moving parts and be used in a technical operation, eg a microscope or meter. *instrument可能有某些運轉部件并用於技術操作, 如顯微鏡或儀表. An implement is a tool generally used outdoors, especially in gardening or farming, eg a plough, rake or spade. *implement是通常用於戶外的工具, 尤指園藝或農作中用的, 如 、 耙或鍬. Device and gadget are more general terms. *device和gadget詞義較籠統. Device is often used implying approval of a useful machine or instrument *device常含褒義, 指某機器或工具很有用處
a labour-saving device 省力的器具
a clever device for locking windows 鎖窗的靈巧裝置. Gadget is more informal and can suggest disapproval *gadget較為通俗, 可含貶義
Their kitchen is full of the latest gadgets. 他們的廚房盡是最新式的器具.
All these modern gadgets are more trouble than they're worth. 所有這些現代化的裝置都是花錢買麻煩的玩意兒.