mechanism

American  

[mek-uh-niz-uhm] / ˈmɛk əˌnɪz əm /

noun

• mechanisms
  plural

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.

9. Philosophy.

   1. the view that all natural processes are explicable in terms of classical mechanics.

   2. 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.

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mechanism British  

/ ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a system or structure of moving parts that performs some function, esp in a machine

2. something resembling a machine in the arrangement and working of its parts

   the mechanism of the ear

3. any form of mechanical device or any part of such a device

4. a process or technique, esp of execution

   the mechanism of novel writing

5. philosophy

   1. the doctrine that human action can be explained in purely physical terms, whether mechanical or biological

   2. the explanation of phenomena in causal rather than teleological or essentialist terms

   3. the view that the task of science is to seek such explanations

   4. strict determinism Compare dynamism vitalism

6. psychoanal

   1. the ways in which psychological forces interact and operate

   2. a structure having an influence on the behaviour of a person, such as a defence mechanism

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antimechanism
  noun
• mechanismic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• mechanisms
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of mechanism

First recorded in 1655–65; from New Latin mēchanismus; Late Latin mēchanisma “contrivance,” from Greek mēchan(ḗ) machine + New Latin -ismus, Late Latin -isma -ism

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Explanation

Use the word mechanism to describe a process that has been set up to accomplish a particular goal. If you’ve set up a method for dealing with your sister when she annoys you, then you have a mechanism in place for establishing peace with your sister. The word mechanism came into the English language in the seventeenth century by way of the Latin word mechanismus, which traces back to the Greek word mekhane, meaning “device" or "means.” Mechanism still carries with it the meaning of “device” and can be used to describe a machine, but nowadays you are more likely to hear it used to describe a process for getting something done, such as "a mechanism for generating revenue" or "a crisis-resolution mechanism."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mechanism mechanisms

Her lab found a protein on the surface of zebrafish eggs which pointed to a lock-and-key mechanism for allowing the sperm in.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026

If this mechanism breaks, it could sever critical circuits, Mokhtari says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

By analyzing human and mouse fat samples, studying cultured fat cells, and conducting experiments in genetically modified mice, the scientists identified another mechanism linking this protein to energy expenditure.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: This sleek, refillable lighter combines classy design and a clever lighting mechanism.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

In later models, the bombs were released by an automatic mechanism.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Dr. Passos served as senior author of three papers examining these mechanisms and the diversity of senescent cells:

From Science Daily ● Oct. 27, 2026

These mechanisms affect how genes are switched on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 27, 2026

The trading arrangements Soglayev entered into show the convoluted mechanisms that have kept Russian oil flowing beyond the gaze of Western officials.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026

A United Nations report published last year said that the Houthis possess advanced surveillance mechanisms and technology.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 2026

In a November issue of Life, I found, to my great interest, drawings of the internal mechanisms of a variety of different kinds of rockets.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

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Related Words

• agency
• operation
• procedure
• process
• system
• technique

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