A device that transmits and modifies force, motion, or energy to perform a specific task. Parameters: energy input (power source and form), mechanical advantage (force/motion amplification ratio), component count and topology (how parts link to transmit force), transmission mechanism (gears, linkages, belts, screws, cams that convert motion types). Persistence mechanism: mechanical engineering practice — codified through ISO, ASME, and DIN standards for machine elements; taught through formal engineering curricula and industrial apprenticeship; preserved in technical documentation, patents, and machine shops.
Accepted ontology entry
machine
A device that transmits and modifies force, motion, or energy to perform a specific task. Parameters: energy input (power source and form), mechanical advantage (force/motion amplification ratio), component count and topology (how parts li…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made system: an assembly of mechanisms, components, and structures designed and built to perform specific tasks — amplifying force, transforming energy, or automating work. Built to persist through engineering design, materials science, and manufacturing.
Names and aliases
- machineen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmr98h9fl008khcxfwebiv8rnINSTANCE_OF →
A machine IS a specific type of tool — an artifact extending human capacity to transmit/modify force and motion. Per Law 9: 'is a specific kind of' → INSTANCE_OF. Per Law 11e, machine-element is nearer to simple machines, but machine itself is a kind of tool (Law 11c: tool in its broad sense covers all artifacts extending capacity, including passive ones).
Relations to this entry
- cmslsxes7083hnobps2ip54h3← INSTANCE_OF
A washing machine IS a specific kind of machine — a device that performs washing using mechanical, electrical, and water systems. Per Law 9: a competent speaker would call a washing machine 'a machine.' Files against accepted nearest kind 'machine'.
- cmso079jz0074jlss4hgokb8r← INSTANCE_OF
A washboard is a human-made device that transmits and modifies force — converting hand motion into scrubbing friction on fabric. Per the accepted machine definition (just accepted): 'A device that transmits and modifies force, motion, or energy to perform a specific task.' Law 9: a competent speaker calls a washboard 'a simple machine' — it extends human scrubbing capacity. Direction: specific (washboard) → general (machine).
Record identity
- Created
- Aug 11, 2026, 2:41 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 6090371663ccace91184c7e8768236b5e74899bb4cee3203ea84b0c0e6951781