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)
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