Mechanism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mechanism
[ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm ]
Definitions
machine operation
A mechanism is a system of parts working together in a machine; a piece of machinery.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mechanism |
Use this word when referring to a part of a machine or a process with specific functions. It's often used in technical or scientific discussions.
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| device |
Used for general tools or gadgets, especially electronic or mechanical. It can refer to common items used in daily life.
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| apparatus |
This term is suitable for sophisticated or specialized pieces of equipment, often scientific or medical. It suggests a more complex setup.
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| system |
Best used when talking about a group of interacting or interrelated components forming a complex and unified whole. Often used in broader, more abstract contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The clock's mechanism was intricate and fascinating to watch.
- The car's braking mechanism failed, causing an accident.
cause and effect
A mechanism is a process or system that is used to produce a particular result, especially in a natural or automatic way.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mechanism |
Commonly used to refer to a natural or established process within an organism or system.
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| process |
Applied to describe a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end, often in manufacturing, technology, or daily tasks.
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| procedure |
Best used when describing a series of actions conducted in a specific order, often for medical or technical processes.
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| system |
Used to refer to a set of interconnected parts forming a complex whole, often in computing, biology, or organizational contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The mechanism of photosynthesis in plants is essential for their growth.
- The mechanism of action of this drug is not yet fully understood.
social interaction
A mechanism can also refer to a method or means of dealing with or accomplishing something, especially a social or political process.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mechanism |
This word is best used to describe a specific process or system that accomplishes a particular function, usually in a technical or mechanical context.
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| method |
This word is appropriate for specifying a particular, well-defined procedure for accomplishing something. It is often used in scientific, academic, and instructional contexts.
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| approach |
This term is suited for describing a way or technique of dealing with a situation or problem. It is commonly used in business, teaching, and problem-solving contexts.
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| strategy |
This term is best used when discussing a planned series of actions designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim, especially in contexts like business, military, and competitive sports.
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Examples of usage
- The mechanism for conflict resolution in the organization needs improvement.
- The mechanism for implementing new policies should involve all stakeholders.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, mechanisms explain how living organisms function at cellular or molecular levels, like how enzymes help digest food.
- Physics uses the concept to describe the behavior of physical systems, like the mechanisms of motion governed by forces.
- In psychology, it refers to the processes by which mental functions arise, such as how thoughts are generated and how decisions are made.
Technology
- Modern devices, from smartphones to robots, rely on intricate mechanisms that combine software and hardware to perform tasks.
- In software engineering, a mechanism is often a method or routine that enables specific functionalities within a program.
- Many intricate gadgets and tools demonstrate mechanical principles, showcasing how designs can innovate solutions.
Literature
- In storytelling, mechanisms can refer to plot devices or structures that help advance the narrative, such as a twist or a revelation.
- Many classic novels utilize the mechanism of unreliable narrators to create suspense and unexpected outcomes.
- Poems can explore thematic mechanisms, like rhythm and rhyme, to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
Pop Culture
- Mechanisms are often depicted in films that feature inventors or engineers, showcasing both the genius and chaos of invention.
- Video games often utilize game mechanics, a design framework that defines player interactions and challenges.
- Animated series frequently include exaggerated mechanisms in their humor, such as elaborate Rube Goldberg machines for comedic effect.
Origin of 'mechanism'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Greek word 'mechanismos', which means 'machine' or 'instrument'.
- It was first used in the 16th century to describe machines and their functions, showing our fascination with how things operate.
- The Latin root 'mechanica' referred to both the study and construction of machinery.
The word 'mechanism' originated from the Greek word 'mēkhanē' which means 'a contrivance or machine'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the inner workings of machines and processes. The concept of a mechanism is fundamental to understanding how things work and interact in the world.