A generic term for a small piece of equipment, a specialized tool, or an electronic component whose actual name is unknown or forgotten. Mechanics and technicians use it to refer to complex, fiddly devices that perform a specific but obscure function. It often carries a slight tone of skepticism toward overly complicated engineering.
Heard on the job
Grab that little plastic gizmo off the bench and see if it fits over the sensor housing.
Also heard as
- gadget
- widget
- doodad