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mechanism
mechanism definition
mecha·nism (mek′ə niz′əm)
noun
- the working parts or arrangement of parts of a machine; works the mechanism of a clock
- a system whose parts work together like those of a machine the mechanism of the universe
- 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
- the mechanical aspect; technical part
- 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
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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