A gadget or gizmo is a device that has a useful specific purpose and function. Gadgets tend to be more unusual or cleverly designed than normal technology.

In contrast, a device of clever design that has no practical purpose is called a novelty item.

The origins of this word are unknown. Some surmise it dates from the 19th century as a sailors' term for an unspecified tool.

In fiction, gadgets are best known in popular spy films, especially in the James Bond series. Superheroes, especially ones like Batman and Iron Man whose premise revolves around equipment, have numerous gadgets themselves. There is a cartoon character, Inspector Gadget, whose super powers come from an assortment of gadgets. Also, one of the main characters of the Disney cartoon show Chip n' Dale's Rescue Rangers, Gadget Hackwrench, possess an innate ability to create tools and other technology out of trash and junk.

Examples of gadgets

• The first atomic bomb was nicknamed the gadget by the scientists of the Manhattan Project, tested at the Trinity site.
• Can opener
• Electric Toothbrush
• Mini Vac
• Blender
• The Clapper
• Swiss Army Knife
• Remote control device of any sort (car starter, tv, garage door opener, etc.)
• Cordless mouse
• Any device that talks, like a calculator or clock

See also

• Placeholder name (Kadigan)
• Widget

External links

• Engadget Engadget - A professionally edited blog about brand new gadgets.
• TechLore - A consumer electronics community for sharing knowledge, experiences, and opinions from the people that own and use gadgets
• Gizmag - A magazine and website covering invention, innovation, and emerging technologies.

Gadget (full name: Gadget Hackwrench) is a character on the cartoon Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers.