Noun
/bɪlɪŋ məˈʃiːn/
A "billing machine" refers to a device used for invoicing or billing, often seen in retail or service environments. It functions by generating bills or receipts for transactions, and it may also record sales information. Billing machines can vary from simple manual devices to sophisticated electronic systems. The frequency of use can vary by context; however, they are generally more common in business operations than in casual conversation, making them more common in written reports or business documents.
The cashier used the billing machine to print out the customer's receipt.
(Кассир использовал кассовый аппарат, чтобы распечатать чек для клиента.)
After each transaction, the billing machine automatically calculates the total amount due.
(После каждой транзакции кассовый аппарат автоматически рассчитывает общую сумму к оплате.)
The new billing machine has improved efficiency in our store's checkout process.
(Новая кассовая машина улучшила эффективность процесса расчета в нашем магазине.)
Although "billing machine" itself does not feature prominently in idiomatic expressions, there are phrases that relate to billing or invoicing in a broader sense. Here are some examples:
Bill someone for something
After the service was rendered, we had to bill the client for the total hours worked.
(После предоставления услуги нам пришлось выставить клиенту счет за все отработанные часы.)
Foot the bill
If you choose to dine at this expensive restaurant, be prepared to foot the bill!
(Если ты выберешь пообедать в этом дорогом ресторане, будь готов заплатить за счет!)
Pick up the bill
It was so generous of her to pick up the bill for the entire group!
(Это было так щедро с ее стороны - оплатить счет за всю группу!)
A bill of goods
The salesman promised a bill of goods that he couldn't deliver.
(Продавец пообещал товары, которые он не смог доставить.)
The term "billing" comes from the word "bill," which pertains to an invoice or statement of charges. The word "bill" has roots in the Old French term billet, meaning a written note, and can be traced back to Latin bulla, which refers to a bubble or seal.
The word "machine" derives from Middle French machine, which means an apparatus or device, and traces its roots back to Latin machina, stemming from Greek makhina, which means "device" or "machine."
Synonyms: - Invoice machine - Cash register - Receipt printer
Antonyms: - Payment machine (in specific contexts where it is not for billing) - Non-billing device
This comprehensive look into "billing machine" provides a clearer understanding of its meaning, usage, idiomatic expressions, and linguistic background in the English language.