A "Machine" that performs a rediculous amount of
subtasks to do a seemingly simple
task. Examples include a
bowling ball catapulting a
thumbtack into a
balloon, bursting it, scaring the nearby
cat who jumps off the
scale, tipping it over, etc, etc, etc.
Invented by cartoonist/engineer Rube Goldberg, who used to draw these machines weekly for newspapers.
For an interactive version (And a mighty fine puzzle game to boot), try The Incredible Machine.