Mechanic

Pronunciation

Alternative forms

• mechanick obsolete

Origin

From Middle English mechanike ("mechanic art"), from Old French mecanique, from Latin mechanicus ("of or belonging to machines or mechanics, inventive"), from Ancient Greek μηχανικός (mēkhanikos, "pertaining to machines or contrivance, mechanic, ingenious, inventive"), from μηχανή (mēkhanē, "a machine, contrivance"); see machine.

Full definition of mechanic

Adjective

1. (archaic) mechanical; relating to the laws of motion in the art of constructing things
• RayThese mechanic philosophers.
• ShakespeareMechanic slaves, With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers.
2. (obsolete) Of or relating to a mechanic or artificer, or to the class of artisans; hence, rude; common; vulgar.
• RoscommonTo make a god, a hero, or a king
  Descend to a mechanic dialect.
• ThomsonSometimes he ply'd the strong, mechanic tool.
3. (obsolete) base

Noun

1. A skilled worker capable of building or repairing machinery. A mechanic can be compared to a technician, the distinction being that the technician is stronger in theory, the mechanic stronger in hands-on experience.

Derived terms

• auto mechanic

Related terms

• mechanical
• mechanically
• mechanics
• mechanism
• mechanistic
• mechanization
• mechanize