device (redirected from left to their own devices)

device

(1) Any electronic or electromechanical machine or component from a transistor to a disk drive. The term "device" always refers to hardware, never to software. However, a "device driver" always refers to software (see driver).

(2) In semiconductor design, it is an active component, such as a transistor or diode, in contrast to a passive component, such as a resistor or capacitor.

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device

1. a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance

2. any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery

3. computer hardware that is designed for a specific function

4. a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc., used in literature to produce an effect on the reader

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device [di′vīs]

(computer science)

A general-purpose term used, often indiscriminately, to refer to a computer component or the computer itself.

(electronics)

An electronic element that cannot be divided without destroying its stated function; commonly applied to active elements such as transistors and transducers.

(engineering)

A mechanism, tool, or other piece of equipment designed for specific uses.

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device - peripheral