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   mechanism

   /ˈmɛkənɪz(ə)m/

   noun

   • 1. a system of parts working together in a machine; a piece of machinery: "a third motor powers the tape eject mechanism" Similar apparatusmachineappliancetooldeviceimplementutensilinstrumentcontraptioncontrivancegadgettacklestructuresysteminformal:gizmomachineryworkingsworksmovementmotionactiongeargearswheelscomponentsmotorenginepower sourceinformal:innardsgutsprocedureprocesssystemoperationmethodtechniqueworkingsmeansmediumagencychannelchannelsvehiclestructure
   • 2. a natural or established process by which something takes place or is brought about: "the immune system's mechanism for detecting pathogens" Similar procedureprocesssystemoperationmethodtechniqueworkingsmeansmediumagencychannelchannelsvehiclestructure
   • ▪ a contrivance in the plot of a literary work: "his"
   • 3. the doctrine that all natural phenomena, including life and thought, can be explained with reference to mechanical or chemical processes.

   Word Origin mid 17th century: from modern Latin mechanismus, from Greek mēkhanē (see machine).

   Scrabble Points: 18

   • M

     3

   • E

     1

   • C

     3

   • H

     4

   • A

     1

   • N

     1

   • I

     1

   • S

     1

   • M

     3

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