CONTRAPTION

PRONUNCIATION: (kuhn-TRAP-shuhn)

MEANING: noun: A device that appears to be strange, makeshift, or complicated.

ETYMOLOGY: Perhaps a blend of contrive + trap + invention. Earliest documented use: 1825.
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CONTRA-PION - a new subatomic anti-particle

CON-TRAP-TIN - a thief could cut his way out of it with a pair of scissors (compare CON-TRAP-IRON)

CONTRAPATION - working against your employer

CONT.RATION - your meal will arrive on schedule