1The creation of a new device, mechanism, or method that did not exist before; also the resulting invention itself.
エジソンは数多くの発明で知られている。
Edison is known for numerous inventions.
その新しい機械の発明によって作業が大幅に効率化された。
The invention of that new machine greatly improved work efficiency.
彼は学生時代に画期的な発明をして特許を取った。
He made a groundbreaking invention as a student and obtained a patent.
必要は発明の母と言われる。
Necessity is said to be the mother of invention.
2An old-fashioned way of saying "intelligent" or "clever"; rarely used in modern conversation.
発明な子供だと近所で評判だった（古い言い回し）。
He had a reputation in the neighborhood as a clever child (an old-fashioned expression).