- μηχανή
- a machine
- 1. = Lat. machina:
2. an instrument, machine for lifting weights and the like, [Refs 5th c.BC]; μ. Ποσειδῶνος, of the trident, [6th/5th c.BC]; λαοπόροις μ., of Xerxes' bridge of boats, [6th/5th c.BC]
3. an engine of war, [Refs 5th c.BC]
4. a theatrical machine , by which gods were made to appear in the air, [5th/4th c.BC]: hence proverb. of any sudden appearance, ὥσπερ ἀπὸ μηχανῆς (cf. Lat. deus ex machina), [Refs 4th c.BC]
5. any contrivance , for doing a thing, [Refs 5th c.BC], etc.: in pl. μηχαναί, shifts, devices, arts, wiles , [8th/7th c.BC], attic; μηχαναῖς Διός by the arts of Zeus, [6th/5th c.BC]; proverb., μηχαναὶ Σισύφου [5th/4th c.BC]:—;Phrases, μηχανήν or μηχανὰς προσφέρειν [Refs 5th c.BC]; εὑρίσκειν [6th/5th c.BC], etc.:—;c. gen., μ. κακῶν a contrivance against ills, [Refs 5th c.BC]; but, μ. σωτηρίας a way of providing safety, [6th/5th c.BC]
6. οὐδεμία μηχανή [ ἐστι] ὅπως οὐ, c. fut., [Refs 5th c.BC]; also, μὴ οὐ, c. inf., [Refs 5th c.BC]
7. in adverb, phrases, ἐκ μηχανῆς τινος in some way or other, [Refs 5th c.BC]; μηδεμιῆι μηχανῆι by no means whatsoever, [Refs 5th c.BC] (ML)