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contrivance

3 syllables

Quick answer

As a noun, contrivance means a (mechanical) device to perform a certain task.

Meanings of contrivance

8 meanings

A (mechanical) device to perform a certain task.
A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective.
Something overly artful or artificial.
A device or control that is very useful for a particular job
Similar: appliance, contraption, convenience, gadget, gizmo, gismo
The faculty of contriving; inventive skill
“his skillful contrivance of answers to every problem”
An elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade
“his testimony was just a contrivance to throw us off the track”
Similar: stratagem, dodge
An artificial or unnatural or obviously contrived arrangement of details or parts etc.
“the plot contained too many improbable contrivances to be believable”
Any improvised arrangement for temporary use
Similar: lash-up