machinery
Definitions
Machines collectively, especially large industrial ones.
（统称）机器，机械（尤指大型工业机械）。
(figurative) The organised system or procedures that make an institution work.
（比喻）使机构运转的机制、体系、程序。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmachine + -ry (collective) = machines as a group. Literally heavy machinery; figuratively the 'machinery' of a system — the machinery of government, the legal machinery — picturing an institution as one big interconnected machine. Note: machinery is uncountable.
Root machin still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
Machinery is uncountable: say 'a piece of machinery' or 'some machinery,' never 'a machinery' or 'machineries.' Use 'machines' when you need a countable plural.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The factory invested in new machinery to boost output.
- 2.
Reform was blocked by the slow machinery of government.
- 3.
Operating heavy machinery requires proper safety training.