Mechanism /(?)/

Mech·an·ism

Mechanism

n.
  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.
  2. The series of causal relations that operate to produce an effect in any system; as, the mechanism of a chemical reaction.
  3. Mechanical operation or action.
    He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or accident.
  4. An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements. (Kinematics)