mechanism

Noun
  1. The atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction (synset 113533709)
    "he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions"
    is a type of: chemical action, chemical change, chemical process - (chemistry) any process determined by the atomic and molecular composition and structure of the substances involved
    subtypes: biochemical mechanism - a chemical mechanism involved in vital processes occurring in living organisms
    same as: chemical mechanism
  2. The technical aspects of doing something (synset 100099205)
    "a mechanism of social control"; "mechanisms of communication"; "the mechanics of prose style"
    is a type of: carrying into action, carrying out, execution, performance - the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it
    same as: mechanics
  3. A natural object resembling a machine in structure or function (synset 109372694)
    "the mechanism of the ear"; "the mechanism of infection"
    is a type of: natural object - an object occurring naturally; not made by man
    subtypes:
    • barrier - anything serving to maintain separation by obstructing vision or access
    • transmission mechanism - any mechanism whereby an infectious agent is spread from a reservoir to a human being
    • biological clock - an innate mechanism in living organisms that controls the periodicity of many physiological functions
  4. (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes (synset 105981648)
    referred to in: philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics
    is a type of: philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory - a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy
  5. Device consisting of a piece of machinery;
    Has moving parts that perform some function (synset 103743963)
    is a type of: device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
    subtypes:
    • action, action mechanism - the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism
    • actuator - a mechanism that puts something into automatic action
    • automaton, golem, robot - a mechanism that can move automatically
    • axis, axis of rotation - the center around which something rotates
    • carriage - a machine part that carries something else
    • cartridge ejector, ejector - a mechanism in a firearm that ejects the empty shell case after firing
    • cartridge extractor, cartridge remover, extractor - a mechanism in a firearm that pulls an empty shell case out of the chamber and passes it to the ejector
    • clockwork - any mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring; resembles the works of a mechanical clock
    • control, controller - a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine
    • cooling, cooling system - a mechanism for keeping something cool
    • delayed action - a mechanism that automatically delays the release of a camera shutter for a fixed period of time so that the photographer can appear in the picture
    • drive - a mechanism by which force or power is transmitted in a machine
    • drive line, drive line system - mechanism that transmits power from the engine to the driving wheels of a motor vehicle
    • fail-safe - a mechanism capable of returning to a safe state in case there is a failure or malfunction
    • film advance - a mechanism for advancing film in a camera or projector
    • gear, gear mechanism - a mechanism for transmitting motion for some specific purpose (as the steering gear of a vehicle)
    • homing device - the mechanism in a guided missile that guides it toward its objective
    • hydraulic system - a mechanism operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a liquid is forced through a small opening or tube
    • ignition, ignition system - the mechanism that ignites the fuel in an internal-combustion engine
    • lock - a mechanism that detonates the charge of a gun
    • mechanical device - mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles
    • radiator - a mechanism consisting of a metal honeycomb through which hot fluids circulate; heat is transferred from the fluid through the honeycomb to the airstream that is created either by the motion of the vehicle or by a fan
    • rotating mechanism - a mechanism that rotates
    • steering linkage - mechanism consisting of a system of rods and levers connected to the front wheels of a motor vehicle; the steering gear pushes it left or right which swivels the front wheels, causing the vehicle to turn
    • steering mechanism, steering system - a mechanism by which something is steered (especially a motor vehicle)
    • tape drive, tape transport, transport - a mechanism that transports magnetic tape across the read/write heads of a tape playback/recorder
    • whirler - a revolving mechanism
    • workings, works - the internal mechanism of a device

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