an assembly of moving parts performing a complete functional motion, often being part of a large machine; linkage.

the agency or means by which an effect is produced or a purpose is accomplished.

machinery or mechanical appliances in general.

the structure or arrangement of parts of a machine or similar device, or of anything analogous.

the mechanical part of something; any mechanical device

the mechanism of a clock.

routine methods or procedures; mechanics

the mechanism of government.

mechanical execution, as in painting or music; technique.

the theory that everything in the universe is produced by matter in motion; materialism. Compare dynamism ( def. 1 ) , vitalism ( def. 1 ) .

Philosophy .

the view that all natural processes are explicable in terms of Newtonian mechanics.

the view that all biological processes may be described in physicochemical terms.

Psychoanalysis . the habitual operation and interaction of psychological forces within an individual that assist in interpreting or dealing with the physical or psychological environment.

noun

apparatus , appliance , black box * , components , contrivance , doohickey * , gadget , gears , gimmick , innards , instrument , machinery , motor , structure , system , tool , workings , works , agency , execution , functioning , medium , operation , performance , procedure , process , technique , agent , instrumentality , instrumentation , intermediary , organ , catch , component , device , engine , gear , means , method