mechanism

Bridgezipf 4.27

Pronunciation

/ˈmɛkənɪzəm/(MEK-uh-ni-zum)

Part of speech

nounneutral/formal

Chinese

机制；机构；方法（一个使事物正常运作的系统或流程）

Definition

A system of parts working together; a process by which something happens.

Word family

  • mechanical/mɪˈkænɪkəl/(adj)机械的
  • mechanistic/ˌmɛkəˈnɪstɪk/(adj)机械论的
  • mechanize/ˈmɛkənaɪz/(v)使机械化

Collocations

  • defence mechanism
  • feedback mechanism
  • coping mechanism
  • pricing mechanism
  • a mechanism for
  • enforcement mechanism
  • mechanism of action

Examples

  1. 1.The report proposes a clear mechanism for resolving disputes between suppliers and retailers.
  2. 2.Understanding the mechanism by which the drug works is essential to developing safer alternatives.

Synonyms

  • process/ˈprəʊsɛs/— a series of actions
  • system/ˈsɪstəm/— organised structure
  • procedure/prəˈsiːdʒə/— established method of doing something

Etymology

from Greek "mechanismos" = machine-like system, from "mechane" (machine, device)