— mechanically , adv. — mechanicalness, mechanicality , n.
/meuh kan"i keuhl/ , adj.
1. having to do with machinery: a mechanical failure.
2. being a machine; operated by machinery: a mechanical toy.
3. caused by or derived from machinery: mechanical propulsion.
4. using machine parts only.
5. brought about by friction, abrasion, etc.: a mechanical bond between stones; mechanical erosion.
6. pertaining to the design, use, understanding, etc., of tools and machinery: the mechanical trades; mechanical ability.
7. acting or performed without spontaneity, spirit, individuality, etc.: a mechanical performance.
8. habitual; routine; automatic: Practice that step until it becomes mechanical.
9. belonging or pertaining to the subject matter of mechanics.
10. pertaining to, or controlled or effected by, physical forces.
11. (of a philosopher or philosophical theory) explaining phenomena as due to mechanical action or the material forces of the universe.
12. subordinating the spiritual to the material; materialistic.
n.
13. a mechanical object, part, device, etc.
14. Print. a sheet of stiff paper on which has been pasted artwork and type proofs for making a printing plate; paste-up.
15. Obs. a skilled manual laborer, as a carpenter or other artisan.
[ 1375-1425; late ME, equiv. to mechanic mechanical + -AL 1 ; see MECHANIC ]