mechanic

[muh-kan-ik]

noun

1. a person who repairs and maintains machinery, motors, etc..

   an automobile mechanic.

2. a worker who is skilled in the use of tools, machines, equipment, etc.

3. Slang.,  a person skilled in the dishonest handling of cards, dice, or other objects used in games of chance.

mechanic

/ mɪˈkænɪk /

noun

1. a person skilled in maintaining or operating machinery, motors, etc

2. archaic,  a common labourer

Word History and Origins

Origin of mechanic¹

1350–1400; Middle English: mechanical < Latin mēchanicus < Greek mēchanikós, equivalent to mēchan ( ḗ ) machine + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of mechanic¹

C14: from Latin mēchanicus, from Greek mēkhanikos, from mēkhanē _machine

Example Sentences

Through friends who had old cars, I found people to help me restore the Hawk, most notably a local mechanic named Joe Petersen.

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Still, financial professionals say it is important for individual investors to understand the mechanics, as well as the risks and rewards, of buying IPO shares.

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“If she relies on ideologues rather than veteran TV newspeople, the mechanics of running the place will overwhelm her,” he said.

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This week, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to a trio of scientists focused on quantum mechanics.

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"There is no advanced technology used today that does not rely on quantum mechanics, including mobile phones, cameras... and fibre optic cables," said the Nobel committee.

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Related Words

• machinist 
• operator 
• worker