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mechanism

 - 5 dictionary results

mech⋅an⋅ism

  [mek-uh-niz-uhm]
–noun
1. an assembly of moving parts performing a complete functional motion, often being part of a large machine; linkage.
2. the agency or means by which an effect is produced or a purpose is accomplished.
3. machinery or mechanical appliances in general.
4. the structure or arrangement of parts of a machine or similar device, or of anything analogous.
5. the mechanical part of something; any mechanical device: the mechanism of a clock.
6. routine methods or procedures; mechanics: the mechanism of government.
7. mechanical execution, as in painting or music; technique.
8. the theory that everything in the universe is produced by matter in motion; materialism. Compare dynamism (def. 1), vitalism (def. 1).
9. Philosophy.
a. the view that all natural processes are explicable in terms of Newtonian mechanics.
b. the view that all biological processes may be described in physicochemical terms.
10. Psychoanalysis. the habitual operation and interaction of psychological forces within an individual that assist in interpreting or dealing with the physical or psychological environment.
Use mechanism in a Sentence
Origin:
1655–65; < NL mēchanismus; LL mēchanisma a contrivance < Gk mēchan() machine + NL -ismus, LL -isma -ism

Related forms:
mech⋅a⋅nis⋅mic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To mechanism
mech·a·nism   (měk'ə-nĭz'əm)   
n.  

    1. A machine or mechanical appliance.

    2. 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 mēchanismus, from Late Latin mēchanisma, from Greek mēkhanē, machine; see mechanic.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

mechanism 
1662, from Mod.L. mechanismus, from Gk. mekhane (see machine).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: mech·a·nism
Pronunciation: 'mek-&-"niz-&m
Function: noun
1 : a piece of machinery
2 a : abodily process or function mechanism of healing> b : the combination of mental processes by which a result is obtained mechanisms>
3 : the fundamental physical or chemical processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon —mech·a·nis·tic /"mek-&-'nis-tik/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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mechanism mech·a·nism (měk'ə-nĭz'əm)
n.

  1. A machine or mechanical appliance.

  2. The arrangement of connected parts in a machine.

  3. A system of parts that operate or interact like those of a machine.

  4. An instrument or a process by which something is done or comes into being.

  5. The involuntary and consistent response of an organism to a given stimulus.

  6. A usually unconscious mental and emotional pattern that dominates behavior in a given situation or environment.

  7. The sequence of steps in a chemical reaction.

  8. The philosophical doctrine that all natural phenomena are explicable by material causes and mechanical principles.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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