Mechanism Meaning and Definition
Mechanism
Pronunciation
/mɪˈkænɪzəm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A system or process by which something works or operates, or a device or machine that produces a specific effect or performs a particular function.
Examples
- The engine is a sophisticated mechanism that allows the car to move.
- The intricate mechanism of the watch requires precise timing to function correctly.
Synonyms
- Machine
- Process
- System
Antonyms
- Simple
- Basic
Etymology
The word “mechanism” comes from the Greek word “mechane”, meaning “machine” or “device”, and the suffix “-ism”, indicating a system or process.
Usage Notes
Mechanism is often used in technical contexts, such as engineering, medicine, and biology, to describe the workings of a device or process.
Cultural References
Mechanism has been used in various cultural references, such as in the title of the 1944 film “A Song to Remember”, which tells the story of Chopin’s struggles with his mechanism.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Mechanism” is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “the mechanism of a gear” or “the mechanism of a clock”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Spring
- Gear
- Piston
Collocations
- Mechanism is often collocated with words like “complex”, “intricate”, and “sophisticated”.
Frequency of Use
Mechanism is a relatively rare word, but its frequency of use has increased in recent years due to advances in technology and scientific discoveries.
Common Misspellings
- Mechnism
- Mecanism
- Mecharnism