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

Other skilled tradesmen—electricians, auto mechanics, bricklayers—also enjoy decent starting salaries and good prospects.

From The Wall Street Journal

He aborted the flight, offloaded the passengers and stayed on board to help the mechanics.

From The Wall Street Journal

"By showing that a black hole can drag space time and create this frame-dragging effect, we are also beginning to understand the mechanics of the process," explains Dr. Inserra.

From Science Daily

Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways classical computation cannot.

From Barron's

But she said that too many fire engines are out of service, there are not enough mechanics, and most important, questions about the origin of the Palisades fire remain unanswered.

From Los Angeles Times