Origin: Greek suffix -ism
Mechanism has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction
"he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions"
a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function
"the mechanism of the ear"
"the mechanism of infection"
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes
"Many philosophers struggle to accept mechanism because it reduces complex human emotions and consciousness to mere chemical reactions."
device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function
"The old washing machine's internal mechanism jammed, leaving clothes stuck inside until we called a repairman."
Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.
"The engineer adjusted the internal mechanism to ensure the gears transferred power smoothly without any grinding noise."
In plain English: A mechanism is a system of parts that work together to make something happen.
"The car broke down because the starting mechanism was jammed with dirt."
Usage: Use mechanism to describe a specific device or system of parts that work together to perform a function, such as a clock's inner workings. Avoid using it interchangeably with machine, as a mechanism is typically a component within a larger apparatus rather than the complete unit itself.
The word entered English as a learned borrowing from New Latin mechanismus, which itself derived from the Ancient Greek mēkhanḗ. Originally meaning "machine," it was adopted into English to describe the internal workings or system of operation.