appliance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a device or control that is very useful for a particular job
    contraption; gismo; gadget; widget; convenience; contrivance; gizmo.
  2. noun durable goods for home or office use

WordNet

Ap*pli"ance noun
Definitions
  1. The act of applying; application; Obs. subservience. Shak.
  2. The thing applied or used as a means to an end; an apparatus or device; as, to use various appliances; a mechanical appliance; a machine with its appliances.

Webster 1913