Definition of "contraption" [con•trap•tion]

• A mechanical device; a gadget. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The script provides an admirable fulcrum for such musings with the title contraption -- run by a former Tibetan monk (Christopher Plummer) who cut a deal with the devil (Tom Waits), and which now reveals the dreams and temptations of those who venture into it."
• "That "contraption" is a very handsome tricycle with a VW engine."
• "I'm talking about the obvious failure of VSE, ESAS, Constellation, Ares I and V and Orion and whatever that lunar lander contraption is called."