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| mech·a·nism [ mékə nìzzəm ] (plural mech·a·nisms) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. machine part: a machine or part of a machine that performs a specific task
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2. something like machine: something that resembles a machine in having a structure of interrelated parts that function together
  the fragile mechanism of the planet's ecology
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3. method or means: a method or means of doing something
Interest rates are only one mechanism for controlling inflation.
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4. way that something works: the methods, procedures, or processes involved in the way something works or is done
the mechanism of international diplomacy
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5. psychology instinctive behavioral reaction: a natural unconscious reaction or type of behavior that comes into action when somebody is faced with a particular situation
defense mechanisms
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6. philosophy philosophical theory: the philosophical theory that all natural phenomena, including human behavior, can be explained by physical causes and processes
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| [Mid-17th century. < modern Latin mechanismus< Greek mēkhanē (see machine)] |
