mechanics

[ muh-kan-iks ]

/ məˈkæn ɪks /

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See synonyms for mechanics on Thesaurus.com

noun

(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.

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Origin of mechanics

First recorded in 1640–50; see origin at mechanic, -ics

Words nearby mechanics

mechanical solidarity, mechanical suspension, mechanical twin, mechanical weathering, mechanician, mechanics, mechanic's lien, Mechanicsville, mechanism, mechanist, mechanistic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mechanics in a sentence

Lee and Alireza Hooshanginejad, a fluid mechanics researcher at Cornell University, used mathematical equations to describe the forces on the raindrops.
Physicists explain the mesmerizing movements of raindrops on car windshields|Emily Conover|March 16, 2022|Science News
Researchers reported the new find in the December 10 issue of the Journal of Fluid Mechanics.
Here’s why ducklings swim in a row behind mom|Emily Conover|November 16, 2021|Science News For Students
Meanwhile, Massachusetts voted to allow car owners and independent mechanics access to wireless data, expanding the state’s “right to repair” law.
All the ways the 2020 election has influenced science policy so far|Kate Baggaley|November 6, 2020|Popular-Science
He chose to leave the nuns behind and enrolled in the aircraft mechanics program at Aviation High School on Long Island.
There’s Always Some Killing You Got to Do On a Farm|Eugene Robinson|October 23, 2020|Ozy

Eric Savory is a fluid mechanics engineer at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.
Six foot social-distancing will not always be enough for COVID-19|Tina Hesman Saey|April 23, 2020|Science News For Students
I wouldn't, but I also wouldn't be surprised if Patriots fans didn't properly comprehend the mechanics of sex, either.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In a best-case scenario they cover the mechanics of reproduction, STD awareness, and contraceptive use.
The Next Frontier of Sex Ed: How Porn Twists Teens’ Brains|Aurora Snow|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He majored in mathematical physics, studying mind-bending theories of quantum mechanics and partial differential equations.
How the NSA Became a Killing Machine|Shane Harris|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We stopped teaching civics in our public schools and outsourced the mechanics of government to “School House Rock.”
Baseball’s Problem Is Politics’ Problem|Doug McIntyre|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Local mechanics pitched in to help mend the craft, but weeks into setting off the repairs wore thin and the vessel sprung a leak.
Victor Mooney’s Epic Adventure for His Dead Brother|Justin Jones|October 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is secured only by right objects of thought; it is impossible to reach it by voluntary mechanics.
Expressive Voice Culture|Jessie Eldridge Southwick
Carpenter were the leaders, and this is claimed to have been the origin of Mechanics' Institutes.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
One or two English mechanics were to accompany the engines which the contractors engaged should be in Lima within eighteen months.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2)|Francis Trevithick
These include materials furnished, also the wages of clerks, servants, laborers and mechanics.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
The feast of Minerva lasted five days, when offerings were made by all mechanics, artists, and scholars.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord

British Dictionary definitions for mechanics

mechanics

/ (mɪˈkænɪks) /

noun

(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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for mechanics

mechanics

[ mĭ-kăn′ĭks ]

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.

Cultural definitions for mechanics

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.

notes for mechanics

The basic laws of mechanics are Newton's laws of motion.

mechanics

Origin of mechanics

Words nearby mechanics

Words related to mechanics

How to use mechanics in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for mechanics

Scientific definitions for mechanics

Cultural definitions for mechanics

notes for mechanics