mechanics

noun

me·​chan·​ics mi-ˈka-niks How to pronounce mechanics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: a branch of physical science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on bodies
2
: the practical application of mechanics to the design, construction, or operation of machines or tools
3
: mechanical or functional details or procedure
the mechanics of the brain

Examples of mechanics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The mechanics buttressed the front suspension with a pair of Bilstein shocks and a Cadillac-limousine anti-roll bar the size of your thigh. Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023 But while the mechanics have changed, the end result is similar. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Feb. 2023 To top it all off, the grounds feature all the gas pumps, car washes, detailing equipment and full-time mechanics and driving instructors. Nathan Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Feb. 2023 Quantum mechanics explains how subatomic particles behave, or don’t behave, in very strange ways on the smallest of scales. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 31 Jan. 2023 In the meantime, the volunteer mechanics are growing increasingly creative. Phil McCausland, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2023 Nailing these mechanics early will help your carry your form over to the machine press. Jeff Tomko, Men's Health, 27 Jan. 2023 Quantum mechanics demonstrates that two opposites can hold true at the same time (e.g., light can be both a wave and a particle). Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 22 Dec. 2022 Quantum mechanics could be enlisted to study gravity, and vice versa. Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mechanics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mechanics was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near mechanics

Cite this Entry

“Mechanics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanics. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mechanics

noun singular or plural
me·​chan·​ics mi-ˈkan-iks How to pronounce mechanics (audio)
1
: a science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on bodies
2
: the application of mechanics to the making or operation of machines
3
: the details of the way something works or is done
the mechanics of running

Medical Definition

mechanics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
me·​chan·​ics mi-ˈkan-iks How to pronounce mechanics (audio)
: a branch of physical science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on material bodies

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