Appliance

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈplaɪəns/
• Rhymes: -aɪəns

Origin

Recorded since the 1560s. From the English apply + -ance.

Full definition of appliance

Noun

1. The act of applying; application.
2. An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end (often specified).
3. Specifically: A non-manual apparatus or device, powered electrically or by another small motor, used in homes to perform domestic functions (household appliance) and/or in offices.
4. An attachment, some equipment (or - piece) to adapt another tool or machine to such specific purpose''When the boy hid father's feared cane, his bum soon found out the hard way how many sturdy appliances at home can double as perfectly painful spanking appliance
5. (obsolete) A compliance

Derived terms