Device (9)
'device' is the definition.
(I know that mechanism is a type of device)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for mechanism that I've seen before include "Process" , "Way in which something works" , "Device with moving parts that performs some function" , "Workings" .)
'device' is the definition.
(I know that appliance is a type of device)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for appliance that I've seen before include "Instrument for a particular purpose" , "Device used for a particular purpose" , "Tool or device for a specific task" , "food mixer, perhaps" , "Machine, piece of equipment" .)
'device' is the definition.
(I know that gadget is a type of device)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for gadget that I've seen before include "Device or invention" , "Tagged (anag.)" , "Gismo" , "Small mechanical device or tool" , "Small ingenious device" .)
'device' is the definition.
(I know that contraption is a type of device)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for contraption that I've seen before include "Appliance" , "Strange machine" , "device" .)