mtambo

How to say it

Meaning

A large machine or set of machines used to produce, process or run something, such as a power plant, a printing press or a computer system.

Good to know

M/mi class noun: plural mitambo. Mtambo wa kufua umeme is a power plant and mitambo ya kuchapisha printing presses; mashine is the everyday word for a smaller machine.

Examples

• Kiwanda kimenunua mtambo mpya wa kusaga nafaka.The factory has bought a new grain milling machine.
• Mitambo ya kufua umeme ilizimwa kwa matengenezo.The power generating plants were shut down for repairs.
• Mtambo wa kuchapisha magazeti ulifanya kazi usiku kucha.The newspaper printing press worked all night.