machinery
UK[məˈʃiːnəri]US[məˈʃiːnəri]
n
machines as a group, especially large ones used in industry
n
the working parts of a machine
n
the system or structure by which something is organized or operates
Morpheme Breakdown
machine
ry
machine
device
ry
collective noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'machinery' is a relatively modern english formation. its core, 'machine', entered english in the 16th century from middle french 'machine', which itself derives from latin 'machina', meaning a contrivance, engine, or trick. the latin term has its origins in the greek 'mēkhanē', signifying a means, expedient, or mechanical device, ultimately from the proto-indo-european root 'magh-', meaning 'to be able, to have power'. the suffix '-ry' (also '-ery') was added in english, borrowed from old french '-erie', to form nouns indicating a collective class or category. thus, 'machinery' logically evolved from denoting a single powerful, ingenious device to representing the entire collective class or system of such devices.
Analysis
Structure: machine (device) + ry (collective noun suffix)
machine (from latin 'machina', via french, meaning a device or engine); ry (a suffix of middle english origin, from old french '-erie', used to form nouns denoting a class, condition, or place)
Examples
the factory invested in new machinery to increase production.
he understood the basic machinery of the clock.
the machinery of government can often seem slow and bureaucratic.