The way something operates or functions, or the inner details of how a system or process works.
From Old English 'weorc,' related to German 'Werk' meaning 'work' or 'creation.' The '-ings' suffix converts the verb into a noun describing the process.
Calling something 'the inner workings' is a metaphor comparing complex systems to mechanical devices—we use this metaphor for brains, hearts, governments, and computers because humans naturally understand machines best!
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