Tools, Machines & Construction
Tools, machines, building, repairs, and engineered structures.
298 words
Download MarkdownSome words in this topic are A2–C2 — part of Pro. A1 words are always free.
Go ProA1 (11)
saw
A1
/sɑ/
To cut something using a saw.
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building
A1
/ˈbɪl.dɪŋ/
A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or office
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camera
A1
/ˈkæm.ə.ɹə/
A device for taking photographs or recording video.
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machine
A1
/məˈʃiːn/
A device with moving parts that uses power to do a particular job.
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clock
A1
/klɑk/
A device that shows the time, usually on a wall or table.
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telephone
A1
/ˈtɛləˌfoʊn/
A device used to talk with someone over a distance by converting sound into electrical signals.
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piano
A1
/piˈænoʊ/
A large musical instrument with a keyboard of black and white keys that you press to make sounds.
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pen
A1
/pɛn/
A thin instrument that holds ink and is used for writing or drawing.
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guitar
A1
/ɡɪˈtɑɹ/
A musical instrument with six strings and a long neck, played with the fingers or a pick.
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pencil
A1
/ˈpɛnsəl/
A thin wooden instrument with a grey or coloured centre, used for writing or drawing.
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turn off
A1
to stop a machine or electrical device from working
Phrasal verb
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A2 (31) Pro
lock
A2
/lɑk/
A device that keeps a door, box, or gate shut and is opened with a key or code.
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engine
A2
/ˈɛndʒɪn/
A machine that turns fuel or power into movement, used to drive vehicles and other machines.
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knife
A2
/ˈnɐɪ̯f/
A tool with a sharp blade and a handle, used for cutting.
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bridge
A2
/bɹɪd͡ʒ/
A structure built over a river, road, or gap so that people can cross it.
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alarm
A2
/əˈlɑɹm/
A device that makes a loud sound to warn of danger.
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screw
A2
/skɹuː/
A small metal pin with a spiral thread, turned to fasten things together.
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roof
A2
/ɹuːf/
The covering on top of a building that protects it from rain and weather.
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trap
A2
/tɹæp/
A device made to catch animals.
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factory
A2
/ˈfæk.tɚ.i/
A building where goods are made, usually using machines.
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technology
A2
/tɛkˈnɑ.lə.dʒi/
Machines, equipment, and methods created from scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.
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tower
A2
/ˈtaʊɚ/
A tall, narrow structure, either standing alone or part of a building.
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elevator
A2
/ˈɛləˌveɪtɚ/
A machine that carries people or goods up and down between the floors of a building.
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structure
A2
/ˈstɹʌkt͡ʃɚ/
The way the parts of something are arranged or organised.
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battery
A2
/ˈbæt.əɹi/
A device that stores power and is used to run electrical things.
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tool
A2
/tuːl/
A device you hold and use to do a particular job.
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lamp
A2
/ˈlæ̝mp/
A device that gives light, especially one you can move around a room.
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speaker
A2
/ˈspikɚ/
A device that produces sound from a phone, computer, or stereo.
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instrument
A2
/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
An object used to make music, such as a piano or guitar.
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scissors
A2
/ˈsɪzɚz/
A tool for cutting paper, cloth, and other thin materials, made of two blades joined at a pivot.
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invention
A2
/ˌɪnˈvɛnʃən/
A new device or process that someone has created for the first time.
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fork
A2
/fɔɹk/
A tool with a handle and several points, used for eating or serving food.
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brake
A2
/bɹeɪk/
A device that slows down or stops a wheel or vehicle.
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violin
A2
/ˌvaɪ.əˈlɪn/
A small wooden stringed instrument with four strings, held under the chin and played with a bow.
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refrigerator
A2
/ɹɪˈfɹɪd͡ʒ.əˌɹeɪ.tɚ/
A machine that keeps food and drinks cold so they stay fresh.
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B1 (44) Pro
switch
B1
/swɪt͡ʃ/
A small device you press or move to turn electricity or a machine on and off.
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equipment
B1
/ɪˈkwɪp.mənt/
The tools, machines, or items needed for a particular activity.
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device
B1
/dɪˈvaɪs/
A piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially an electronic or mechanical one.
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robot
B1
/ˈɹəʊ̯.bɒt/
A machine that can carry out tasks automatically, often programmed to move and work like a person.
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construction
B1
/kənˈstɹʌkʃən/
The act or process of building something.
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nail
B1
/neɪl/
The hard, thin covering at the end of a finger or toe.
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hammer
B1
/ˈhæm.ɚ/
A tool with a heavy metal head and a handle, used for hitting nails.
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motor
B1
/ˈmoʊtəɹ/
A machine that uses electricity or fuel to produce movement and power something.
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satellite
B1
/ˈsætəˌlaɪt/
A machine sent into space to orbit the Earth and send back signals or information.
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pump
B1
/pʌmp/
A machine that moves liquid or gas from one place to another.
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lighter
B1
/ˈlaɪtɚ/
A small device that produces a flame, used for lighting cigarettes or candles.
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drum
B1
/ˈdɹʌm/
A musical instrument that you hit with sticks or your hands to make a beat.
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clip
B1
/klɪp/
A small device used to hold things together or in place.
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maintenance
B1
/ˈmeɪnt(ə)nəns/
The work of keeping a machine, building, or system in good condition.
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razor
B1
/ˈɹeɪzɚ/
A sharp tool used to shave hair from the skin.
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fax
B1
/fæks/
A document sent or received using a fax machine.
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trumpet
B1
/ˈtɹʌmpɪt/
A brass musical instrument that you play by blowing into it, making a bright, high sound.
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recorder
B1
/ɹɪˈkɔɹdɚ/
a simple woodwind instrument played by blowing through a fipple and covering finger holes
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flute
B1
/flu(ː)t/
A musical instrument shaped like a long tube, played by blowing across a hole near one end.
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valve
B1
/ˈvælv/
a control consisting of a mechanical device for controlling the flow of a fluid
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mop
B1
/mɑp/
a cleaning tool with an absorbent head fixed to a long handle, used especially for washing floors
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filter
B1
/ˈfɪltɚ/
A device that removes unwanted things from a liquid, gas, or other substance passing through it.
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burner
B1
/ˈbɝː.nɚ/
a device or part of a device in which fuel burns to produce heat
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heater
B1
/ˈhitɚ/
A machine that produces heat to warm a room, building, or water.
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B2 (47) Pro
siren
B2
/ˈsaɪɹən/
a device that produces a loud, rising and falling sound as a warning, or the sound it makes
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gear
B2
/ˈɡiə/
The equipment, clothing, or tools needed for a particular activity.
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blade
B2
/bleɪd/
The flat, sharp cutting part of a knife, sword, or tool.
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crane
B2
/kɹeɪn/
a tall machine with a projecting arm, used to lift and move heavy objects
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laser
B2
/ˈleɪzɚ/
A device that produces a narrow, powerful beam of light.
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mode
B2
/moʊd/
A particular way in which a machine or system operates.
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breakdown
B2
/ˈbɹeɪkˌdaʊn/
A failure of a machine or system to keep working.
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generator
B2
/ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɚ/
a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
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microphone
B2
/ˈmaɪ.kɹəˌfoʊn/
A device that turns sound into an electrical signal so it can be recorded or made louder.
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facilities
B2
/fəˈsɪlɪtiz/
Buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose.
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telescope
B2
/ˈtɛl.əˌskoʊp/
An instrument that makes distant objects look closer and larger, especially stars and planets.
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detector
B2
/dɪˈtɛktɝ/
a device that senses and registers a substance, signal, or physical phenomenon
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cutter
B2
/ˈkʌtɚ/
a tool or machine used for cutting a particular material
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ax
B2
/æks/
A tool with a heavy metal blade on a handle, used for cutting wood.
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pedal
B2
/ˈpɛdəl/
A lever you press with your foot to control or power a machine such as a bicycle, car, or piano.
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screwdriver
B2
/ˈskɹuˌdɹaɪvɚ/
a hand or power tool shaped to engage a screw head so that the screw can be tightened or loosened
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rooftop
B2
/ˈruːf.tɑːp/
the outside upper surface of a building's roof
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projector
B2
/pɹəˈdʒɛktɚ/
a device that projects an enlarged image or beam of light onto a surface
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microscope
B2
/ˈmaɪ.kɹəˌskoʊp/
An instrument that makes very small objects look much bigger so they can be studied.
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component
B2
/kəmˈpoʊnənt/
One of the parts that make up a larger machine, system, or whole.
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cello
B2
/ˈt͡ʃɛloʊ/
A large wooden string instrument played with a bow while seated.
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thermometer
B2
/θɚˈmɒmɪtɚ/
An instrument used to measure temperature.
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scuba
B2
/ˈskuːbə/
Breathing equipment that lets divers stay and breathe underwater.
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saxophone
B2
/ˈsæksəˌfoʊn/
a usually brass, single-reed woodwind instrument with a conical tube and finger-operated keys
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C1 (19) Pro
buzzer
C1
/ˈbʌzɚ/
A device that makes a buzzing sound as a signal.
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mechanism
C1
/ˈmik.ə.nɪ.zəm/
A part of a machine or a set of moving parts that does a particular job.
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gadget
C1
/ɡæd͡ʒ.ɪt/
A small, often clever device or tool that does a particular job.
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radiator
C1
/ˈreɪdiˌeɪtɚ/
A metal device that gives off heat to warm a room, usually carrying hot water or steam.
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apparatus
C1
/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/
A complex machine or set of equipment built for a particular job.
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chisel
C1
/ˈt͡ʃɪzəl/
A hand tool with a sharp flat blade, used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal.
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appliance
C1
/əˈplaɪ.əns/
A machine or device used in the home, such as a fridge or washing machine.
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trappings
C1
/ˈtræpɪŋz/
the outward signs, accessories, or equipment associated with a role, rank, or activity
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automation
C1
/ˌɔ.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/
equipment used to achieve automatic control or operation
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vise
C1
/vaɪs/
a tool with two jaws that close to hold an object firmly while it is being worked on
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utensil
C1
/ˈju.tɛn.sɪl/
A tool or container used in the kitchen for cooking or eating.
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trowel
C1
/ˈtraʊəl/
a mason's hand tool with a flat metal blade, used to spread and shape mortar or plaster
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repeater
C1
/rɪˈpiː.tɚ/
an electronic device that receives a signal and retransmits it, often after amplifying it
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cathode
C1
/ˈkæθ.oʊd/
a negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons entering an electrical device
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resonator
C1
/ˈrɛzəˌneɪtər/
an object, chamber, or part of an instrument that vibrates at particular frequencies and strengthens or shapes a sound
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taximeter
C1
/ˈtæk.siˌmiː.t̬ɚ/
a device in a taxi that calculates and displays the fare according to distance traveled and waiting time
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mnemonic
C1
/nɪˈmɑnɪk/
a device or technique used to aid memory retention
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hew out
C1
to form or carve something by cutting with heavy blows
Phrasal verb
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prop up
C1
to support something by placing a solid object against or beneath it
Phrasal verb
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C2 (95) Pro
gong
C2
/ɡɔŋ/
a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer
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transmitter
C2
/trænˈsmɪtɝ/
A device that sends out radio, television, or other signals.
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spade
C2
/speɪ̯d/
a digging tool with a flat blade and a handle
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bugle
C2
/ˈbjuːɡəl/
a simple brass instrument, usually without valves, used especially for military signals
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contraption
C2
/kənˈtræpʃən/
A strange or overly complicated machine or device.
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plough
C2
/plaʊ/
a farm tool used to cut and turn over soil before planting
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ventilator
C2
/ˈvɛntɪleɪtə/
a device that facilitates breathing in cases of respiratory failure
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clarinet
C2
/ˌklæɹɪˈnɛt/
A woodwind musical instrument that has a distinctive liquid tone whose characteristics vary among its three registers: chalumeau (low), clarion (medium), and altissimo (high).
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pacemaker
C2
/ˈpeɪsˌmeɪkər/
a small implanted electronic device that regulates an abnormal heartbeat
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sickle
C2
/ˈsɪkəl/
a short-handled agricultural tool with a curved blade, used for cutting grain or grass
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periscope
C2
/ˈpɛɹɪskəʊp/
an optical instrument that provides a view of an otherwise obstructed field
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sonata
C2
/səˈnɑːtə/
a substantial musical composition for one instrument or a small group, usually arranged in several contrasting movements
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lute
C2
/luːt/
a plucked string instrument with a rounded back, flat front, fretted neck, and usually a bent-back pegbox
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forceps
C2
/ˈfɔɹ.sɛps/
a medical or surgical instrument with two blades or pincers, used for grasping, holding, or extracting something
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stethoscope
C2
/ˈstɛθəsˌkoʊp/
a medical instrument used to listen to sounds made by the heart, lungs, and other internal organs
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boathouse
C2
/ˈboʊtˌhaʊs/
a building beside or over water in which boats and boating equipment are kept
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megaphone
C2
/ˈmɛɡəˌfoʊn/
a cone-shaped acoustic device held to the mouth to intensify and direct the human voice
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dynamo
C2
/ˈdaɪnəmoʊ/
An electricity generator; a dynamo-electric machine.
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pitchfork
C2
/ˈpɪt͡ʃˌfɔɹk/
a long-handled hand tool with sharp widely spaced prongs for lifting and pitching hay
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steroid
C2
/ˈstɛɹɔɪd/
any of a class of organic compounds built around a characteristic structure of four fused carbon rings
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oboe
C2
/ˈoʊ.boʊ/
a high-pitched woodwind instrument with a narrow conical bore and a double reed, used especially in orchestras and chamber music
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paraphernalia
C2
/ˌpɛɹəfɚˈneɪli.ə/
a collection of miscellaneous equipment or objects used for a particular activity
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shaver
C2
/ˈʃeɪvɚ/
a tool or machine used for shaving, especially an electric razor
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excavator
C2
/ˈɛkskəˌveɪtɚ/
a large powered machine with a boom and bucket, used for digging and moving earth
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C2+ (51) Pro
clockwork
C2+
/ˈklɑkwɝk/
A mechanism powered by a coiled spring and regulated by some form of escapement; the power is transmitted through toothed gearwheels and used to drive a mechanical clock, toy, or other device.
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labyrinth
C2+
/ˈlæb.ə.ɹɪnθ/
A maze-like structure built by Daedalus in Knossos, containing the Minotaur.
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muller
C2+
/ˈmʌləɹ/
A machine that mixes clay and sand under a roller for use in preparing a mould for metal casting.
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cave-in
C2+
/ˈkeɪvˌɪn/
the sudden collapse of earth, rock, a roof, or another enclosing structure
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turnscrew
C2+
/ˈtɝnˌskru/
a screwdriver or similar device for turning screws; now chiefly dated
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sawblade
C2+
/ˈsɔːˌbleɪd/
the toothed cutting blade of a hand saw or powered sawing machine
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compass
C2+
/ˈkʌmpəs/
an instrument showing direction; range or scope; (verb) to encompass or achieve
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contrivance
C2+
/kənˈtraɪvəns/
a cleverly made device or scheme; an artificial or strained arrangement
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chopper
C2+
/ˈtʃɑpɚ/
a helicopter, or a tool for chopping
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jack
C2+
/dʒæk/
a device for raising heavy objects; also, to raise or boost
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chiller
C2+
/ˈtʃɪlɚ/
a machine for cooling, or a frightening story or film
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automaton
C2+
/ɔˈtɑmətən/
a self-operating machine, or a person acting mechanically without thought
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blower
C2+
/ˈbloʊɚ/
a device that produces a current of air; (British slang) a telephone
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fob
C2+
/fɑb/
a small ornament or device attached to a key ring or watch chain
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knapsack
C2+
/ˈnæpˌsæk/
a bag carried on the back for provisions or equipment
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mixer
C2+
/ˈmɪksɚ/
a device or person that mixes; a social gathering for meeting people
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noodle
C2+
/ˈnudəl/
a strip or string of pasta; to improvise idly, especially on an instrument
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rake
C2+
/reɪk/
a toothed tool for gathering leaves or smoothing soil
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vibrator
C2+
/ˈvaɪbreɪtɚ/
a device that produces a vibrating motion
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violoncello
C2+
/ˌviːələnˈtʃɛloʊ/
the full formal name for the cello, a bowed string instrument
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accelerator
C2+
/əkˈsɛləreɪtɚ/
a device or thing that increases speed, especially a car's gas pedal
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adapter
C2+
/əˈdæptər/
a device or person that adapts one thing to fit another
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chronograph
C2+
/ˈkrɑnəˌɡræf/
an instrument or watch for recording precise intervals of time
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compiler
C2+
/kəmˈpaɪlɚ/
one who compiles; a program that translates source code into machine code
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