MECHANICS

mechanism, mechanics

(noun) the technical aspects of doing something; “a mechanism of social control”; “mechanisms of communication”; “the mechanics of prose style”

mechanics

(noun) the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology 1

Noun

mechanics (uncountable)

(physics) The branch of physics that deals with the action of forces on material objects with mass

The design and construction of machines.

(writing) Spelling and punctuation.

Operation in general; workings.

Etymology 2

Noun

mechanics

plural of mechanic

Anagrams

• mischance

Source: Wiktionary

Me*chan"ics, n. Etym: [Cf. F. mécanique.]

Definition: That science, or branch of applied mathematics, which treats of the action of forces on bodies.

Note: That part of mechanics which considers the action of forces in producing rest or equilibrium is called statics; that which relates to such action in producing motion is called dynamics. The term mechanics includes the action of forces on all bodies, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous. It is sometimes, however, and formerly was often, used distinctively of solid bodies only: The mechanics of liquid bodies is called also hydrostatics, or hydrodynamics, according as the laws of rest or of motion are considered. The mechanics of gaseous bodies is called also pneumatics. The mechanics of fluids in motion, with special reference to the methods of obtaining from them useful results, constitutes hydraulics. Animal mechanics (Physiol.), that portion of physiology which has for its object the investigation of the laws of equilibrium and motion in the animal body. The most important mechanical principle is that of the lever, the bones forming the arms of the levers, the contractile muscles the power, the joints the fulcra or points of support, while the weight of the body or of the individual limbs constitutes the weight or resistance.

– Applied mechanics, the principles of abstract mechanics applied to human art; also, the practical application of the laws of matter and motion to the construction of machines and structures of all kinds.

MECHANIC

Me*chan"ic, n. Etym: [F. mécanique mechanics. See Mechanic, a.]

1. The art of the application of the laws of motion or force to construction. [Obs.]

2. A mechanician; an artisan; an artificer; one who practices any mechanic art; one skilled or employed in shaping and uniting materials, as wood, metal, etc., into any kind of structure, machine, or other object, requiring the use of tools, or instruments. An art quite lost with our mechanics. Sir T. Browne.

Me*chan"ic, a. Etym: [F. mécanique, L. mechanicus, Gr. Machine.]

1. Having to do woth the application of the laws of motion in the art of constructing or making things; of or pertaining to mechanics; mechanical; as, the mechanic arts. "These mechanic philosophers." Ray. Mechanic slaves, With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers. Shak.

2. Of or pertaining to a mechanic or artificer, or to the class of artisans; hence, rude; common; vulgar. To make a god, a hero, or a king Descend to a mechanic dialect. Roscommon. Sometimes he ply'd the strong, mechanic tool. Thomson.

3. Base. [Obs.] Whitlock.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition