mechanics

American  

[muh-kan-iks] / məˈkæn ɪks /

noun

1. (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.

2. (used with a singular verb) the theoretical and practical application of this science to machinery, mechanical appliances, etc.

3. (usually used with a plural verb) the technical aspect or working part; mechanism; structure.

4. (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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mechanics British  

/ mɪˈkænɪks /

noun

1. (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 reference See also quantum mechanics wave mechanics statistical mechanics

2. (functioning as singular) the science of designing, constructing, and operating machines

3. the working parts of a machine

4. the technical aspects of something

   the mechanics of poetic style

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mechanics Scientific  

/ mĭ-kăn′ĭks /

1. The branch of physics concerned with the relationships between matter, force, and energy, especially as they affect the motion of objects.

2. See also classical physics quantum mechanics

3. The functional aspect of a system, such as the mechanics of blood circulation.

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mechanics Cultural  

1. 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.

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of mechanics

First recorded in 1640–50; mechanic, -ics

Example Sentences

Those experiences made clear how rapidly theoretical arguments about constitutional structure can reshape the mechanics of elections.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

In a surprising discovery that could reshape fluid mechanics, researchers at Drexel University have shown that under certain conditions, a simple liquid can behave like a solid and fracture.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

But their complicated mechanics make these funds unreliable for long-term investors.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Her interest in politics and election mechanics came about while growing up in Culver City, where her father served as a councilman and mayor.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

The laws of quantum mechanics treat particles such as the electron as points; that is, they take up no space at all.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife