machinery

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a system of means and activities whereby a social institution functions

   the complex machinery of negotiation

2. 2
   noun

   The machines constituting a production apparatus, in a plant etc., collectively.

   The external aspect of the oficina was not unlike that of a north-country coal or iron mine—tall chimneys and machinery, corrugated iron buildings, offices and houses, the shanties of workmen, a high bank of refuse.

3. 3
   noun

   The collective parts of something which allow it to function.

   All of the machinery of the law was brought to bear on the investigation.

4. 4
   noun

   machines or machine systems collectively

5. 5
   noun

   The working parts of a machine as a group.

6. 6
   noun

   The literary devices used in a work, notably for dramatic effect.

Etymology

From machine + -ery. Compare French machinerie.