Mechanism
Mechanism , noun
[Compare French mécanisme, Latin mechanisma. See Mechanic.]
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.
(Kinematics) An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.