Writing Mobile Code Essential Software Engineering for Building Mobile Applications [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Chapter 5. Our Friend, the State Machine

state ['stAt]

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English stat, from Old French Latin; Old French estat, from Latin status, from stare to stand more at STAND

Date: 13th century

1a: mode or condition of being <a state of readiness> b (1) : condition of mind or temperament <in a highly nervous state> (2) : a condition of abnormal tension or excitement

2a: a condition or stage in the physical being of something

([www.m-w.com], 2004)

ma·chine [m shEn]

n (plural ma·chines)

1. mechanical engineering mechanical device: a device with moving parts, often powered by electricity, used to perform a task, especially one that would otherwise be done by hand

a washing machine

(Encarta 2004, Dictionary)