machine

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 (often in compounds) a piece of equipment with moving parts that is designed to do a particular job. The power used to work a machine may be electricity, steam, gas, etc. or human power: Machines have replaced human labour in many industries. * to operate / run a machine * How does this machine work? * a washing / sewing machine * a machine for making plastic toys * I left a message on her answering machine. * The potatoes are planted by machine. 2 (informal) a particular machine, for example in the home, when you do not refer to it by its full name: Just put those clothes in the machine (= the washing machine). * The new machines (= computers) will be shipped next month. 3 a group of people that control an organization or part of an organization: the president's propaganda machine * Hollywood's slick public relations machine has produced a new improved model of a young movie star. 4 (often disapproving) a person who acts automatically, without allowing their feelings to show or to affect their work: He was the perfect fighting machine with a total disregard for his own personal safety. seealsoMECHANICAL, FRUITMACHINE, SLOTMACHINE, TIMEMACHINE HELPNOTE You will find other compounds ending in machine at their place in the alphabet. IDIOMS see COG verb (technical) to make or shape sth with a machine: [VN] This material can be cut and machined easily. [also V]