/ 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.