invention
n. C / Un. a new tool, machine, or system that someone creates for the first time. It can also mean a clever story that someone makes up.
n. a unique or novel device, method, or process originated through study and experimentation. In a literary or legal context, it may refer to a fabricated statement or the act of creating a false narrative.
The light bulb is a famous invention.
The scientist spent years working on her new invention to clean the ocean.
While the patent office reviewed the technical specifications of the invention, the legal team prepared for potential challenges regarding the original design's intellectual property.
From Middle English invencion, invencioun, from Latin inventiō either directly or via Middle French invencion, from Latin invenīre (“to discover, find, invent”), from in- (“in-: in, into”) + venīre (“to come”). Doublet of inventio. By surface analysis, invent + -ion. Displaced native Old English orþanc.
Countable when referring to a specific device or creation; uncountable when referring to the general process of creating new things.
He made a great discovery of the telephone.He made a great invention of the telephone.Learners often confuse 'invention' (creating something new) with 'discovery' (finding something that already existed).