contrivance

noun

1. a device or control that is very useful for a particular job

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms appliance contraption convenience gadget gismo gizmo widget

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. the faculty of contriving; inventive skill

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   His skillful contrivance of answers to every problem.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. an elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   His testimony was just a contrivance to throw us off the track.

   Synonyms dodge stratagem

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. an artificial or unnatural or obviously contrived arrangement of details or parts etc.

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   The plot contained too many improbable contrivances to be believable.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. any improvised arrangement for temporary use

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms lash-up

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. the act of devising something

   noun.act

   Synonyms devisal

   Source: WordNet 3.0

7. The act or faculty of contriving, inventing, devising, or planning.

   noun

   Source: webster1913