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Mechanism - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Mechanism : (noun)
1: the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction;
"he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical
reactions" [syn: chemical mechanism]
2: the technical aspects of doing something; "a mechanism of
social control"; "mechanisms of communication"; "the
mechanics of prose style" [syn: mechanics]
3: a natural object resembling a machine in structure or
function; "the mechanism of the ear"; "the mechanism of
infection"
4: (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can
be explained in terms of physical or biological causes
5: device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts
that perform some function
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Mechanism : \Mech"an*ism\, n. [Cf. F. m['e]canisme, L. mechanisma.
See Mechanic.]
1. The arrangement or relation of the parts of a machine; the
parts of a machine, taken collectively; the arrangement or
relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an
effect; as, the mechanism of a watch; the mechanism of a
sewing machine; the mechanism of a seed pod.
2. Mechanical operation or action.
He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion;
so that all must be performed either by mechanism or
accident. --Bentley.
3. (Kinematics) An ideal machine; a combination of movable
bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with
regard to relative movements.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Mechanism : The sequence of steps by which reactants are converted into products.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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