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New page: Image:lighterstill.jpg ==Definitions== The structure or operation of a machine or other complex system; a theory or approach relating to this. *1. a. The structure of, or...
[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]]
==Definitions==
The [[structure]] or operation of a [[machine]] or other complex [[system]]; a theory or approach relating to this.
*1. a. The structure of, or the relationship of the parts in, a machine, or in a construction or [[process]] comparable to a machine. (In early use chiefly with reference to natural [[systems]].) Now rare.
:b. More generally: the interconnection of parts in any complex process, [[pattern]], or arrangement. Obs.
*2. a. A system of mutually adapted parts working together in a machine or in a [[manner]] [[analogous]] to that of a machine; a piece of machinery. Also: machinery, mechanical appliances.
:b. spec. in a [[music]]al instrument.
:c. An ordered sequence of events involved in a [[biological]], [[chemical]] or [[physical]] [[process]]; (Chem.) the steps making up a chemical reaction, frequently described in terms of the transfer and sharing of bonding [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Atom#Subatomic_particles electrons].
:d. Mech. A [[kinematic]] chain of which one link is fixed or stationary.
:e. Psychol. An [[unconscious]], structured set of mental [[processes]] underlying a [[person]]'s [[behaviour]] or responses.
defence mechanism: see the first element.
:f. gen. A means by which an effect or result is produced.
*3. Mechanical action; action according to the [[law]]s of mechanics. Obs.
*4. Philos. The opinion or doctrine that all natural (esp. biological or mental) [[phenomena]] can be explained with reference to mechanical or chemical processes.
Associated esp. with Descartes (1596-1650). Cf. MECHANICALISM n. 1a, MECHANICISM n. 3.
==Extended uses==
*5. A contrivance, a trick; trickery, falsehood. Obs. rare.
*6. Technical skill or artistry; technical execution. Obs.
*7. a. In [[Paintings|painting]], [[sculpture]], [[music]], etc.: the mechanical or physical execution of a work of [[art]]; technique. Opposed to style or expression.
:b. The [[formula]]ic following of a set technique, etc., in order to produce desired effects. rare.
[[Category: General Reference]]
==Definitions==
The [[structure]] or operation of a [[machine]] or other complex [[system]]; a theory or approach relating to this.
*1. a. The structure of, or the relationship of the parts in, a machine, or in a construction or [[process]] comparable to a machine. (In early use chiefly with reference to natural [[systems]].) Now rare.
:b. More generally: the interconnection of parts in any complex process, [[pattern]], or arrangement. Obs.
*2. a. A system of mutually adapted parts working together in a machine or in a [[manner]] [[analogous]] to that of a machine; a piece of machinery. Also: machinery, mechanical appliances.
:b. spec. in a [[music]]al instrument.
:c. An ordered sequence of events involved in a [[biological]], [[chemical]] or [[physical]] [[process]]; (Chem.) the steps making up a chemical reaction, frequently described in terms of the transfer and sharing of bonding [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Atom#Subatomic_particles electrons].
:d. Mech. A [[kinematic]] chain of which one link is fixed or stationary.
:e. Psychol. An [[unconscious]], structured set of mental [[processes]] underlying a [[person]]'s [[behaviour]] or responses.
defence mechanism: see the first element.
:f. gen. A means by which an effect or result is produced.
*3. Mechanical action; action according to the [[law]]s of mechanics. Obs.
*4. Philos. The opinion or doctrine that all natural (esp. biological or mental) [[phenomena]] can be explained with reference to mechanical or chemical processes.
Associated esp. with Descartes (1596-1650). Cf. MECHANICALISM n. 1a, MECHANICISM n. 3.
==Extended uses==
*5. A contrivance, a trick; trickery, falsehood. Obs. rare.
*6. Technical skill or artistry; technical execution. Obs.
*7. a. In [[Paintings|painting]], [[sculpture]], [[music]], etc.: the mechanical or physical execution of a work of [[art]]; technique. Opposed to style or expression.
:b. The [[formula]]ic following of a set technique, etc., in order to produce desired effects. rare.
[[Category: General Reference]]