MECHANISM


Meaning of MECHANISM in English

/ ˈmekənɪzəm; NAmE / noun

1.

a set of moving parts in a machine that performs a task :

a delicate watch mechanism

2.

a method or a system for achieving sth :

mechanisms for dealing with complaints from the general public

3.

a system of parts in a living thing that together perform a particular function :

the balance mechanism in the ears

Pain acts as a natural defence mechanism .

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WORD ORIGIN

mid 17th cent.: from modern Latin mechanismus , from Greek mēkhanē , from mēkhos contrivance.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.