Mechanism

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈmÉ›kÉ™nɪzm/

Origin

From Latin mechanismus, from Greek μηχανή (mekhanē, "machine")

Full definition of mechanism

Noun

1. Within a machine or machinery; any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.
2. Any combination of cams, gears, links, belts, chains and logical mechanical elements.
• 2012-03, Henry Petroski, Opening Doors, A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place.
3. A group of objects or parts that interact together. (as in Political machine)
4. A mental, physical, or chemical process.
5. (philosophy) A theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.

Derived terms

• defense mechanism
• reaction mechanism