What does "invention" mean?

1. (a new creation) a new tool, machine, or system that someone has created for the first time. 2. (the act of creating) the process of designing or creating something that has never been made before. 3. (creative ability) the ability to think of new and clever ideas. 4. (a false story) something that is not true and has been made up to trick people. 5. (musical piece) a short piece of music, usually written for a keyboard instrument like the piano.

invention

US //ˌɪnˈvɛnʃən// UK //ɪnvˈɛnʃən// in·ven·tion

1 a new creation (n.)
A2 Elementary

a new tool, machine, or system that someone has created for the first time.

a unique or novel device, method, composition, or process originated from study and experimentation.

Example

The light bulb is one of the most important inventions in history.

Example

The patent office received thousands of applications for inventions ranging from simple household tools to complex industrial machinery.
2 the act of creating (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the process of designing or creating something that has never been made before.

the act or process of inventing; the transition from a concept to a functional reality.

Example

The invention of the internet changed how the world communicates.

Example

The rapid invention of new vaccines during the pandemic demonstrated the power of global scientific collaboration.
- origination
- development
- imitation

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3 creative ability (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the ability to think of new and clever ideas.

the creative faculty or ability to conceive of new ideas or solutions.

Example

The chef is famous for his invention and use of unusual ingredients.

Example

The novelist's powers of invention were evident in the intricate world-building and unique languages she developed for the series.
- creativity
- resourcefulness
- imagination
4 a false story (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

something that is not true and has been made up to trick people.

a fabricated story or falsehood; a product of the imagination presented as fact.

Example

The story about him winning the lottery was a complete invention.

Example

The journalist was fired after the editor discovered that several key interviews in the article were pure invention.
- truth
- fact
5 musical piece (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Music

a short piece of music, usually written for a keyboard instrument like the piano.

a short, contrapuntal musical composition, most notably the two- and three-part keyboard works by J.S. Bach.

Example

The piano student practiced a Bach invention for her upcoming recital.

Example

The student struggled to maintain the independence of the two voices while performing the Bach invention at the required tempo.
- composition

Origin

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.