mechanical

mechanical
[[t]mɪkæ̱nɪk(ə)l[/t]]
1) ADJ: usu ADJ n A mechanical device has parts that move when it is working, often using power from an engine or from electricity.

...a small mechanical device that taps out the numbers.

...the oldest working mechanical clock in the world...

Most mechanical devices require oil as a lubricant.

Derived words:
mechanically [[t]mɪkæ̱nɪkli[/t]] ADV ADV with v

The air was circulated mechanically.

2) ADJ: ADJ n Mechanical means relating to machines and engines and the way they work.

...mechanical engineering...

The company undertakes mechanical work on all types of cars...

The train had stopped due to a mechanical problem.

Derived words:
mechanically ADV ADV adj/-ed

The car was mechanically sound, he decided.

3) ADJ-GRADED If you describe a person as mechanical, you mean they are naturally good at understanding how machines work.

He was a very mechanical person, who knew a lot about sound...

I'm not mechanical like my father; I have to follow the instructions.

Derived words:
mechanically ADV-GRADED ADV -ed

I'm not mechanically minded.

4) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone's action as mechanical, you mean that they do it automatically, without thinking about it.

It is real prayer, and not mechanical repetition...

Many girls have a kind of mechanical attitude towards sex...

Her retort was mechanical.

Derived words:
mechanically ADV-GRADED ADV with v

He nodded mechanically, his eyes fixed on the girl.


English dictionary. 2008.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Mechanical — Me*chan ic*al, a. [From {Mechanic}, a.] [1913 Webster] 1. Pertaining to, governed by, or in accordance with, mechanics, or the laws of motion; pertaining to the quantitative relations of force and matter on a macroscopic scale, as distinguished… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Mechanical — may refer to: Mechanical engineering, a branch of engineering concerned with the application of physical mechanics HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), the mechanical systems of a building Mechanical (character), one of several… …   Wikipedia

  • mechanical — UK US /mɪˈkænɪkəl/ adjective ► relating to engines or machines, or the way they operate: »The company produces mechanical parts for airplane engines. » a mechanical problem ► operated by a complicated system of parts or by a machine: »Modern… …   Financial and business terms

  • mechanical — (adj.) early 15c., of or pertaining to machines, from MECHANIC (Cf. mechanic) (adj.) + AL (Cf. al) (1); of persons or human actions, resembling machines, automatic it is from c.1600. Related: Mechanically. Mechanical minded is recorded from 1820 …   Etymology dictionary

  • mechanical — [mə kan′i kəl] adj. 1. having to do with, or having skill in the use of, machinery or tools 2. produced or operated by machinery or a mechanism 3. of, in accordance with, or using the principles and terminology of, the science of mechanics 4.… …   English World dictionary

  • Mechanical — Me*chan ic*al, n. A mechanic. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • mechanical — index controlled (automatic), industrial, perfunctory, routine, technical Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • mechanical — automatic, instinctive, impulsive, *spontaneous Analogous words: stereotyped, hackneyed, *trite: dull, slow, *stupid, dense, crass, dumb Contrasted words: vital, cardinal, *essential, fundamental: *spirited, high spirited, mettlesome, fi …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • mechanical — [adj] done by machine; machinelike automated, automatic, cold, cursory, emotionless, fixed, habitual, impersonal, instinctive, involuntary, laborsaving, lifeless, machinedriven, matter of fact, monotonous, perfunctory, programmed, routine,… …   New thesaurus

  • mechanical — ► ADJECTIVE 1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. 2) lacking thought or spontaneity. 3) relating to physical forces or motion. DERIVATIVES mechanically adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • mechanical — mechanically, adv. mechanicalness, mechanicality, n. /meuh kan i keuhl/, adj. 1. having to do with machinery: a mechanical failure. 2. being a machine; operated by machinery: a mechanical toy. 3. caused by or derived from machinery: mechanical… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”