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mechanism |
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mechanism [ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm] n 1. (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering) a system or structure of moving parts that performs some function, esp in a machine 2. something resembling a machine in the arrangement and working of its parts the mechanism of the ear 3. (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering) any form of mechanical device or any part of such a device 4. a process or technique, esp of execution the mechanism of novel writing 5. (Philosophy) Philosophy a. the doctrine that human action can be explained in purely physical terms, whether mechanical or biological b. the explanation of phenomena in causal rather than teleological or essentialist terms c. the view that the task of science is to seek such explanations 6. (Psychoanalysis) Psychoanal a. the ways in which psychological forces interact and operate b. a structure having an influence on the behaviour of a person, such as a defence mechanism mechanism 1. the theory that everything in the universe is produced by matter in process, capable of explanation by the laws of chemistry and physics. See also: Philosophy2. the theory that a natural process is machinelike or is explainable in terms of Newtonian mechanics. — mechanist, n. — mechanistic, adj. Philosophy. the theory or doctrine that all the phenomena of the universe, especially life, can ultimately be explained in terms of physics and chemistry and that the difference between organic and inorganic lies only in degree. Cf. vitalism. — mechanist, n. — mechanistic, adj. See also: Lifemechanism
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
mechanism noun 1. workings, motor, gears, works, action, components, machinery, innards (informal) the locking mechanism 2. process, workings, way, means, system, performance, operation, medium, agency, method, functioning, technique, procedure, execution, methodology the clumsy mechanism of price controls 3. machine, system, structure, device, tool, instrument, appliance, apparatus, contrivance The heat-producing mechanism will switch itself on automatically. Translations mechanism n → Mechanismus m Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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