mechanism

mechanism
[[t]me̱kənɪzəm[/t]]
♦♦♦
mechanisms
1) N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp In a machine or piece of equipment, a mechanism is a part, often consisting of a set of smaller parts, which performs a particular function.

...the locking mechanism.

...a terrorist bomb has been detonated by a special mechanism.

2) N-COUNT: with supp A mechanism is a special way of getting something done within a particular system.

There's no mechanism for punishing arms exporters who break the rules.

...the clumsy and ineffective mechanism of price controls.

3) N-COUNT: with supp A mechanism is a part of your behaviour that is automatic and that helps you to survive or to cope with a difficult situation.

...a survival mechanism, a means of coping with intolerable stress.

4) → See also defence mechanism

English dictionary. 2008.

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  • mechanism — [mek′ə niz΄əm] n. [ModL mechanismus < Gr mēchanē, MACHINE] 1. the working parts or arrangement of parts of a machine; works [the mechanism of a clock] 2. a) a system whose parts work together like those of a machine [the mechanism of the… …   English World dictionary

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  • mechanism — 1660s, from Mod.L. mechanismus, from Gk. mekhane machine, instrument (see MACHINE (Cf. machine) (n.)) …   Etymology dictionary

  • mechanism — *machine, machinery, apparatus, engine, motor …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • mechanism — ► NOUN 1) a piece of machinery. 2) the way in which something works or is brought about …   English terms dictionary

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