mechanics
- (used with a singular verb) the branch of physics that deals with the action of forces on bodies and with motion, comprised of kinetics, statics, and kinematics.
- (used with a singular verb) the theoretical and practical application of this science to machinery, mechanical appliances, etc.
- (usually used with a plural verb) the technical aspect or working part; mechanism; structure.
- (usually used with a plural verb) routine or basic methods, procedures, techniques, or details: the mechanics of running an office; the mechanics of baseball.
Origin of mechanics
mechanic
- a person who repairs and maintains machinery, motors, etc.: an automobile mechanic.
- a worker who is skilled in the use of tools, machines, equipment, etc.
- Slang. a person skilled in the dishonest handling of cards, dice, or other objects used in games of chance.
Origin of mechanic
Examples from the Web for mechanics
Contemporary Examples
I wouldn't, but I also wouldn't be surprised if Patriots fans didn't properly comprehend the mechanics of sex, either.
In a best-case scenario they cover the mechanics of reproduction, STD awareness, and contraceptive use.
We stopped teaching civics in our public schools and outsourced the mechanics of government to “School House Rock.”
To hear 26-year-old Jillian Banks talk about her music is like listening to a shaman explain the mechanics of a complex spell.
At the encouragement of the trainers, both Lukonge and Mushingano signed up for the mechanics class, the only two girls to do so.
Historical Examples
The sliminess of the element utterly destroyed the mechanics of swimming.
The Cruise of the Dry DockT. S. Stribling
They consist of beggars, mechanics, writers, and even artists.
It exceeds their knowledge of mechanics to force so heavy a mass from its position.
Homeward BoundJames Fenimore Cooper
In the field of mechanics electricity is decidedly preferable to any other agent.
Dr. Bird nodded to the mechanics and followed Carnes into the big sedan.
Poisoned AirSterner St. Paul Meek
mechanics
- (functioning as singular) the branch of science, divided into statics, dynamics, and kinematics, concerned with the equilibrium or motion of bodies in a particular frame of referenceSee also quantum mechanics, wave mechanics, statistical mechanics
- (functioning as singular) the science of designing, constructing, and operating machines
- the working parts of a machine
- the technical aspects of somethingthe mechanics of poetic style
mechanic
- a person skilled in maintaining or operating machinery, motors, etc
- archaic a common labourer
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for mechanics
mechanic
adj.
late 14c., "pertaining to or involving mechanical labor" (now usually mechanical), also "having to do with tools," from Latin mechanicus, from Greek mekhanikos "full of resources, inventive, ingenious," literally "mechanical, pertaining to machines," from mekhane (see machine (n.)). Meaning "of the nature of or pertaining to machines" is from 1620s.
mechanic
n.
"manual laborer," late 14c., from Latin mechanicus, from Greek mekhanikos "an engineer," noun use of adjective meaning "full of resources, inventive, ingenious" (see mechanic (adj.)). Sense of "one who is employed in manual labor, a handicraft worker, an artisan" (chief sense through early 19c.) is attested from 1560s. Sense of "skilled workman who is concerned with making or repair of machinery" is from 1660s, but not the main sense until the rise of the automobile.
mechanics
(mĭ-kăn′ĭks)- The branch of physics concerned with the analysis of the action of forces on matter or material systems.
- The design, construction, and use of machinery or of mechanical structures.
- The functional and technical aspects of an activity.
mechanics
- The branch of physics concerned with the relationships between matter, force, and energy, especially as they affect the motion of objects. See also classical physics quantum mechanics.
- The functional aspect of a system, such as the mechanics of blood circulation.
mechanics
The branch of physics that deals with the motion of material objects. The term mechanics generally refers to the motion of large objects, whereas the study of motion at the level of the atom or smaller is the domain of quantum mechanics.