adj.
Pronunciation: mi- ' ka-ni-k ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 a (1) : of or relating to machinery or tools < mechanical applications of science> <a mechanical genius> < mechanical aptitude> (2) : produced or operated by a machine or tool < mechanical power> <a mechanical refrigerator> <a mechanical saw> b : of or relating to manual operations
2 : of or relating to artisans or machinists <the mechanical trades>
3 a : done as if by machine : seemingly uninfluenced by the mind or emotions : AUTOMATIC <her singing was cold and mechanical > b : of or relating to technicalities or petty matters
4 a : relating to, governed by, or in accordance with the principles of mechanics < mechanical work> < mechanical energy> b : relating to the quantitative relations of force and matter < mechanical pressure of wind on a tower>
5 : caused by, resulting from, or relating to a process that involves a purely physical as opposed to a chemical or biological change or process < mechanical erosion of rock>
synonyms see SPONTANEOUS
– me · chan · i · cal · ly \ -ni-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb