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engin

device, machine

noun ahn-ZHAN Less Common

Origin: Latin ingenium

Also means

gadget, contraption

Usage Note

Engin is a broad, often informal term for any machine, device, or contraption. Un engin de guerre is a war machine; un drôle d'engin dismissively describes a strange contraption. In military contexts, engins can refer to missiles or armoured vehicles.

Examples

"Qu'est-ce que c'est que cet engin?"

Natural Translation

What on earth is that contraption?

Literal Translation

What is it that this device?

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