GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Found one definition
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Mechanism (?), n. [Cf. F. mécanisme, L. mechanisma. See Mechanic.]
1. The arrangement or relation of the parts of a machine; the parts of a machine, taken collectively; the arrangement or relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an effect; as, “the mechanism of a watch; the mechanism of a sewing machine; the mechanism of a seed pod.”
[1913 Webster]
2. The series of causal relations that operate to produce an effect in any system; as, “the mechanism of a chemical reaction”.
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3. Mechanical operation or action.
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He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or accident. Bentley.
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4. (Kinematics) An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.
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