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

But since starting work with a private coach, the sophomore’s footwork and mechanics improved considerably.

From Los Angeles Times

As the mechanics of warfare changed, the home’s work changed.

From Los Angeles Times

"A quantum standard operates based on invariant principles of quantum mechanics, which makes it extraordinarily stable."

From Science Daily

Co-author Nazmiye Celik was a doctoral scholar in engineering science and mechanics at the time of the study and is now a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University.

From Science Daily

Kuci, described as a "trusted member of the operation", was jailed for 21 years and Diko, who also moved to the UK from Albania and had worked as a mechanic, for 18 years.

From BBC

Related Words

• machinist
• operator
• worker