Machine

The scientific definition of a "machine" is derived from the latin machine, is any device that transmits or modifies energy. In common usage, the meaning is constrained to devices having stiff moving parts that perform or assist in performing some work. Machines normally require some energy source and always realize some sort of work. Devices with no rigid moving parts are commonly considered tools, or simply devices, not machines.

People have used mechanisms to magnify their abilities since before written records were available. Generally these devices decrease the amount of force required to do a given quantity of work, alter the direction of the force, or transform one form of motion or energy into another.

The mechanical advantage of a simple machine is the ratio between the force it exerts on the load and the input force applied. This does not exclusively describe the machine's performance, as force is required to overcome friction as well. The mechanical efficiency of a machine is the ratio of the actual mechanical advantage (AMA) to the ideal mechanical advantage (IMA). Functioning physical machines are always less than 100% efficient.

Modern power tools, automated machine tools, and human-operated power machinery are tools that are also machines. Machines used to transform heat or other energy into mechanical energy are known as engines.

Hydraulics devices may also be used to support industrial applications, although devices exclusively lacking rigid moving parts are not commonly considered machines. Hydraulics are widely used in heavy equipment industries, automobile industries, marine industries, aeronautical industries, construction equipment industries, and earthmoving apparatus industries