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mech·a·nism (m k  -n z m)n.1. a. A machine or mechanical appliance. b. The arrangement of connected parts in a machine. 2. A system of parts that operate or interact like those of a machine: the mechanism of the solar system. 3. An instrument or a process, physical or mental, by which something is done or comes into being: "The mechanism of oral learning is largely that of continuous repetition" T.G.E. Powell. 4. A habitual manner of acting to achieve an end. 5. Biology The involuntary and consistent response of an organism to a given stimulus. 6. Psychology A usually unconscious mental and emotional pattern that shapes behavior in a given situation or environment: a defense mechanism. 7. The sequence of steps in a chemical reaction. 8. Philosophy The doctrine that all natural phenomena are explicable by material causes and mechanical principles.
[New Latin m chanismus, from Late Latin mchanisma, from Greek mkhan, machine; see mechanic.] |
mechanism Noun 1. a system of moving parts that performs some function, esp. in a machine 2. any mechanical device or part of such a device 3. a process or technique: the body's defence mechanisms mechanistic adj
mechanism1. the theory that everything in the universe is produced by matter in process, capable of explanation by the laws of chemistry and physics.
2. the theory that a natural process is machinelike or is explainable in terms of Newtonian mechanics. — mechanist, n. — mechanistic, adj. See also: Philosophy
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: Life
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. |  mechanism - the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction; "he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions" | | 2. | mechanism - the technical aspects of doing something; "a mechanism of social control"; "mechanisms of communication"; "the mechanics of prose style"carrying into action, carrying out, execution, performance - the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it; "they criticised his performance as mayor"; "experience generally improves performance" | | 3. | mechanism - a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function; "the mechanism of the ear"; "the mechanism of infection"barrier - anything serving to maintain separation by obstructing vision or access transmission mechanism - any mechanism whereby an infectious agent is spread from a reservoir to a human being biological clock - an innate mechanism in living organisms that controls the periodicity of many physiological functions | | 4. | mechanism - (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causesphilosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics | | 5. | mechanism - device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some functionaction mechanism, action - the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism; "the piano had a very stiff action" actuator - a mechanism that puts something into automatic action carriage - a machine part that carries something else clockwork - any mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring; resembles the works of a mechanical clock controller, control - a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine; "the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly"; "I turned the controls over to her" delayed action - a mechanism that automatically delays the release of a camera shutter for a fixed period of time so that the photographer can appear in the picture device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" drive - a mechanism by which force or power is transmitted in a machine; "a variable speed drive permitted operation through a range of speeds" fail-safe - a mechanism capable of returning to a safe state in case there is a failure or malfunction film advance - a mechanism for advancing film in a camera or projector gear mechanism, gear - a mechanism for transmitting motion for some specific purpose (as the steering gear of a vehicle) homing device - the mechanism in a guided missile that guides it toward its objective hydraulic system - a mechanism operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a liquid is forced through a small opening or tube lock - a mechanism that detonates the charge of a gun mechanical device - mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles radiator - a mechanism consisting of a metal honeycomb through which hot fluids circulate; heat is transferred from the fluid through the honeycomb to the airstream that is created either by the motion of the vehicle or by a fan steering linkage - mechanism consisting of a system of rods and levers connected to the front wheels of a motor vehicle; the steering gear pushes it left or right which swivels the front wheels, causing the vehicle to turn |
mechanism noun 2. process, workings, way, means, system, performance, operation, medium, agency, method, functioning, technique, procedure, execution, methodology  Translations
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suspensory mechanism
