contrivance

Noun
  1. A device or control that is very useful for a particular job (synset 102732963)
    is a type of: device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
    subtypes:
    • gadgetry - appliances collectively
    • gimbal - an appliance that allows an object (such as a ship's compass) to remain horizontal even as its support tips
    • injector - a contrivance for injecting (e.g., water into the boiler of a steam engine or particles into an accelerator etc.)
    • mod con - modern convenience; the appliances and conveniences characteristic of a modern house
    same as: appliance, contraption, convenience, gadget, gismo, gizmo, widget
  2. The faculty of contriving;
    Inventive skill (synset 105642302)
    "his skillful contrivance of answers to every problem"
    is a type of: conception, design, excogitation, innovation, invention - the creation of something in the mind
  3. An elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade (synset 105914396)
    "his testimony was just a contrivance to throw us off the track"
    is a type of: scheme, strategy - an elaborate and systematic plan of action
    subtypes:
    • plant - something planted secretly for discovery by another
    • pump-and-dump scheme - an illegal scheme for making money by manipulating stock prices; the schemer persuades other people to buy the stock and then sells it himself as soon as the price of the stock rises
    • wangle, wangling - an instance of accomplishing something by scheming or trickery
    same as: dodge, stratagem
  4. An artificial or unnatural or obviously contrived arrangement of details or parts etc. (synset 105735753)
    "the plot contained too many improbable contrivances to be believable"
    is a type of: arrangement, organisation, organization, system - an organized structure for arranging or classifying
  5. Any improvised arrangement for temporary use (synset 103649562)
    is a type of: arrangement - an orderly grouping (of things or persons) considered as a unit; the result of arranging
    subtypes: patch, temporary hookup - a connection intended to be used for a limited time
    same as: lash-up
  6. The act of devising something (synset 100942525)
    is a type of: invention - the act of inventing
    same as: devisal

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