Why do we call detectors "machines?"

[Old Katz]

I'd be happy with "electronic" machines.

Machine:
1540s, "structure of any kind," from M.Fr. machine "device, contrivance," from L. machina "machine, engine, fabric, frame, device, trick" (cf. Sp. maquina, It. macchina), from Gk. makhana, Doric variant of mekhane "device, means," related to mekhos "means, expedient, contrivance," from PIE *maghana- "that which enables," from base *magh- "to be able, have power" (cf. O.C.S. mogo "be able," O.E. m

 

[dahut]

Excellent question and a very good discussion.

From Wiki definitions(for what that's worth):
A machine is any device that uses energy to perform some activity.

See, now, here is one that works. The stratospheric dissertation on engines sort of blew on by me, although it does reach into arcane origins which I love. Often, the arcane is more at work behind the things we choose, than we know.
But this simple one gets it done, too.

 

[PennyFinder]

Engine definition 2. Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; a machine; an agent.

PennyFinder

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

Although not strictly a machine, it sure sounds more personal than calling it anything else. Just think. If it had it's own mechanical digger built in, then we could call it a machine for sure.
Mick Evans.

 

[PennyFinder]

Boy my Ace 250 sure is a nice little circuit...?
The English language is dynamic and always evolving, but for however long I am alive, I'll choose to use the word machine over circuit when praising my little Ace 250.
We are all free to call it what we what we want I suppose, hopefully the rest of the masses will understand what you are trying to say. Humour helps.


PennyFinder

 

[Musketeer]

I have read the foregoing.

Now my head feels all stopped up.

Ka-blooey

 

[PennyFinder]

I guess that's why there is verbal diarrhea...

PennyFinder

 

[dahut]

Personally I prefer "instrument."

 

[TURNMASTER]

As a machinist I find this an interesting topic.

I was tought a motor is driven by electricity and an engine needed fuel as in an internal combustion engine.

A screw is a machine as is a fork, but a fork is also a tool.

A MD is a tool, as is it a machine.

Merium Websters dictionary def. f: a mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for performing a task.

I think the correct answer is because they are machines. Was there a prize?

HH
Jeff

 

[PennyFinder]

That works!


In

 

[dahut]

As a machinist I find this an interesting topic.

I was tought a motor is driven by electricity and an engine needed fuel as in an internal combustion engine.

A screw is a machine as is a fork, but a fork is also a tool.

A MD is a tool, as is it a machine.

Merium Websters dictionary def. f: a mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for performing a task.

I think the correct answer is because they are machines. Was there a prize?

HH
Jeff

As I read through all the excerpting and validation cherry picking I find that they all have modifiers in some form. For example, Merriam-Webster adds to your description, "... as in a cigarrette machine."
In toto, each such description still fails to thoroughly get us there. I suppose my favored term, "instrument," will be similarly seen as falling short.

Im more convinced than ever, now, that the term "machine" isn't correctly applied. It is convenient, since there is little else in common use that works for most people. So we'll stick with it.
Yeah, it's close to the fact, but it doesn't quite deliver the prize you are hoping for.

 

[Old Katz]

I think its interesting that a knife and fork can be considered part of ones technology.

This is all too much for my head! I'm going to take a nap!

Katz

 

[dahut]

I think its interesting that a knife and fork can be considered part of ones technology.

This is all too much for my head! I'm going to take a nap!

Katz

As are shovels and wheelbarrows, depending on the task.

I think you may have hit on the best answer of all, Katzy!