A mechanism is a system of parts that work together in a machine, or a process by which something happens or is brought about. It can describe both physical devices and abstract processes.
From New Latin “mechanismus”, from Greek “mēkhanē” meaning 'device, machine'. The term spread in science and philosophy in the 17th century to describe not just devices but also 'machine-like' explanations of nature. It now covers both literal and figurative systems.
Try Another Word