mechanism
How something works
A mechanism is an assembly of moving parts that work together to perform a function—the mechanism inside a clock, the locking mechanism of a door.
By extension, mechanism describes any system or process that produces results: the mechanism by which prices are set, a coping mechanism.
In biology, mechanisms explain how things work at a physical level: the mechanism of gene expression.
The word suggests something orderly and deterministic, operating by fixed rules rather than intention or chance.
Equipment for a task
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
- gadgetNovel small device
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
gizmo · widget · appliance · engine · motor · actuator · sensor · lever
State of elaborate complexity
- sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
- inner workingsHidden operational components
- interplayReciprocal action between things
interdependence · integration · coordination · synchronization · calibration · fine-tuning · precision · delicacy
Ordered succession of elements
- workflowSequential task progression
- operationProcess of working
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
- executionCompleting a planned task
steps · stages · phases · progression · pathway · cycle · feedback loop · trigger
Skilled way of performing
- approachWay of handling something
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
system · formula · means · mode · scheme · tactic · modus operandi · methodology
Turning on an axis
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
- articulationClear vocal expression
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
- actuationInitiating mechanical movement
pivot · thrust · recoil · locomotion · kinetics · dynamics · leverage · transmission
Doctrine of causal necessity
- materialismPrioritizing goods over spirit
- reductionismExplaining wholes through parts
- causalityCause-effect connection
- functionalismTheory emphasizing purposes and roles
Cartesian · Newtonian · clockwork universe · physicalism · naturalism · atomism
Fitting to new conditions
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- responseAnswer to stimulus
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
- self-protectionSafeguarding one's own wellbeing
rationalization · compensation · sublimation · displacement · denial · repression · projection
apparatus
Equipment for a task
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
- gadgetNovel small device
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
gear · gizmo · widget · appliance · engine · motor · actuator · sensor · lever · pulley
intricacy
State of elaborate complexity
- sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
- inner workingsHidden operational components
interplay · interdependence · integration · coordination · synchronization · calibration · fine-tuning · precision · delicacy
sequence
Ordered succession of elements
- workflowSequential task progression
- operationProcess of working
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
execution · steps · stages · phases · progression · pathway · cycle · feedback loop · trigger · chain reaction
technique
Skilled way of performing
- approachWay of handling something
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
protocol · system · formula · means · mode · scheme · tactic · modus operandi · methodology · framework
rotation
Turning on an axis
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
- articulationClear vocal expression
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
actuation · pivot · thrust · recoil · locomotion · kinetics · dynamics · leverage · transmission · reciprocation
determinism
Doctrine of causal necessity
- materialismPrioritizing goods over spirit
- reductionismExplaining wholes through parts
- causalityCause-effect connection
functionalism · Cartesian · Newtonian · clockwork universe · physicalism · naturalism · atomism
adaptation
Fitting to new conditions
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- responseAnswer to stimulus
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
self-protection · rationalization · compensation · sublimation · displacement · denial · repression · projection
- artificialartificial, synthetic, man-made, manufactured, fabricated
- Inventinginvention, inventor, prototype, patent, blueprint
- methodsmethod, approach, way, technique, procedure
- functionpurpose, role, use, task, job
- inner workingsguts, core, kernel, wiring, circuitry
- metaphysicsessence, being, reality, existence, substance theory
mechanismchaos
Complete disorder and confusion
randomness · disorder · dysfunction · malfunction · failure
mechanismvitalism
Non-physical life principle
organicism · teleology · holism · animism · spiritualism
- mechanical pencilRetractable lead writing device
- auto mechanicVehicle repair specialist
- defense mechanismUnconscious self-protective mental process
- mechanical systemsAssemblies using motion and force
- coping mechanismMethod for managing distress
- mechanical bullMotorized rodeo simulator
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