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mechanism Definition

mecha·nism (mek′ə niz′əm)

noun

  1. the working parts or arrangement of parts of a machine; works the mechanism of a clock
    1. a system whose parts work together like those of a machine the mechanism of the universe
    2. any system or means for doing something; esp., a physical or mental process or processes, whether conscious or unconscious, by which some result is produced; machinery
  3. the mechanical aspect; technical part
  4. the theory or doctrine that all the phenomena of the universe, particularly life, can ultimately be explained in terms of matter moving in accordance with the laws of nature

Etymology: ModL mechanismus < Gr mēchanē, machine

mechanism Synonyms

mechanism

n.

working parts, mechanical action, system of parts; see device 1, tool 1.

mechanism Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • toxicity: If they can be identified, the mechanism of toxicity may also become clear.
  • action: In addition, the mechanisms of action of these drugs are outlined.

Converse of object

  • cope: I would be interested to know which coping mechanism ESR applies.
  • elucidate: Monitoring excitatory and inhibitory amino acids will it is hoped, elucidate the mechanism by which these drug exert their effect.
  • investigate: Through the interdisciplinary Box Center, we are investigating the mechanisms through which ICT can enable improvements in organizational performance.
  • understand: To control an epidemic of FMD it is essential to understand the mechanism by which the FMD virus is being spread.
  • lock: But most innovative of all is the unique locking mechanism which prevents tool blades from folding during use.
  • establish: They should therefore establish the mechanism for a thorough future review now.

Adjective modifier

  • molecular: The molecular mechanism behind the activation process remains obscure.
  • underlying: The material outlines the underlying causal mechanisms of mass wasting with particular reference to the Australian landscape.
  • neural: However, no one suggests that kind of learning is supported by the kinds of neural mechanisms you mention.
  • cellular: For good reviews of the cellular mechanisms of general anesthesia see Franks and Lieb ( 1994, 1997 ).
  • regulatory: However, the ERG including Ofcom has significant reservations about the regulatory mechanisms proposed by the EC.
  • causal: The material outlines the underlying causal mechanisms of mass wasting with particular reference to the Australian landscape.

Noun used with modifier

  • defense: The lungs ' defense cells attempt to destroy the asbestos particles, but the body's defense mechanisms are unable to break them down.
  • authentication: Some authentication mechanisms lend themselves well to being updated with such a function.
  • feedback: The two methodologies are fused in a modular fashion using a system of feedback mechanisms.
  • delivery: There's no need setting up even more Quangos to solve the problem, when many of the delivery mechanisms are already in place.
  • defense: Skepticism is a defense mechanism, the nagging voice of reason.
  • funding: How appropriate are the current funding mechanisms for the support of international research in farm animal genomics?