MECHANISM

mechanism, mechanics

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

mechanism

(noun) device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function

mechanism

(noun) (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes

mechanism

(noun) a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function; “the mechanism of the ear”; “the mechanism of infection”

mechanism, chemical mechanism

(noun) the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction; “he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

mechanism (countable and uncountable, plural mechanisms)

(within a machine or machinery) Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.

Any combination of cams, gears, links, belts, chains and logical mechanical elements.

A group of entities, such as objects, that interact together.

A mental, physical, or chemical process.

Any process of, or system designed to manage useful energy conversion.

(philosophy) The theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.

Source: Wiktionary

Mech"an*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. mécanisme, L. mechanisma. See Mechanic.]

1. The arrangement or relation of the parts of a machine; the parts of a machine, taken collectively; the arrangement or relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an effect; as, the mechanism of a watch; the mechanism of a sewing machine; the mechanism of a seed pod.

2. Mechanical operation or action. He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or accident. Bentley.

3. (Kinematics)

Definition: An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition