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. - Bentley.
	4.	(Kinematics) An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.

Noun	1.	mechanism - the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction; "he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions" Synonyms: chemical mechanism
	2.	mechanism - the technical aspects of doing something; "a mechanism of social control"; "mechanisms of communication"; "the mechanics of prose style" Synonyms: mechanics
	3.	mechanism - a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function; "the mechanism of the ear"; "the mechanism of infection"
	4.	mechanism - (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes
	5.	mechanism - device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function

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