Gadget

A gadget or gizmo is a device that has a useful specific purpose and function. Gadgets tend to be more unusual or cleverly designed than normal technology.

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In contrast, a device of clever design that has no practical purpose is called a novelty item.

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The word gadget was "invented," as much as any word is invented, around 1884-85 in New York City. The grand unveiling of the Statue of Liberty was approaching, and Gaget, Gauthier & Cie, the company behind the casting of the monument wanted some PR.

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The first atomic bomb was nicknamed the gadget by the scientists of the Manhattan Project, tested at the Trinity site.

Related Topics:
Atomic bomb - Manhattan Project - Trinity site

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In fiction, gadgets are best known in popular spy films, especially in the James Bond series. Superheroes, especially ones like Batman and Iron Man whose premise revolves around equipment, have numerous gadgets themselves. There is a cartoon character, Inspector Gadget, whose super powers come from an assortment of gadgets. Also, one of the main characters of the Disney cartoon show Chip n' Dale's Rescue Rangers, Gadget Hackwrench, possess an innate ability to create tools and other technology out of trash and junk.

Related Topics:
Spy film - James Bond - Superhero - Batman - Iron Man - Cartoon - Inspector Gadget - Chip n' Dale's Rescue Rangers

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