mechanism
mech·a·nism
noun \ˈme-kə-ˌni-zəm\Definition of MECHANISM
1
a : a piece of machinery b : a process, technique, or system for achieving a result
2
: mechanical operation or action : working 2
3
: a doctrine that holds natural processes (as of life) to be mechanically determined and capable of complete explanation by the laws of physics and chemistry
4
: the fundamental processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon — compare defense mechanism
Examples of MECHANISM
- The camera's shutter mechanism is broken.
- Scientists are studying the body's mechanisms for controlling weight.
- There is no mechanism in place for enforcing the new law.
- a legal mechanism to prevent lobbyists from exerting unfair influence
- psychological mechanisms for dealing with a tragic loss
First Known Use of MECHANISM
1662
Other Mechanical Engineering Terms
Rhymes with MECHANISM
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