mə̇ˈkaniks, -nēks, -nēks noun plural but singular or plural in construction
1. : a branch of physical science that deals with energy and forces and their relation to the equilibrium, deformation, or motion of solid, liquid, and gaseous bodies — see celestial mechanics , matrix mechanics , quantum mechanics , wave mechanics ; compare dynamics , energetics , kinematics , kinetics , statics
2.
a. : the practical application of mechanics to the design, construction, or operation of machines or tools or their products
b. : fabrication by any manual trade or craft — called also mechanic art
3. : working structure or mechanism : functioning system
knows the mechanics of the lathe intimately
the mechanics of the general circulation of the atmosphere — Climate & Man
provides an adequate mechanics of meaning and value — R.P.Blackmur
my enjoyment of our own parties is still dimmed by the mechanics of hospitality — Doris F. Bernays
liberals without much grasp of the mechanics of politics — H.J.Hanham
4. : routine procedure : technical details or method
leaves the mechanics of his agency almost solely in the hands of subordinates — New Republic