C1nounsciencetechnology
US/ˈmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/
UK/ˈmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/
a set of moving parts in a machine, or a process or system that makes something happen
In context
Scientists still do not fully understand the mechanism behind the disease.
Sweating is the body's main mechanism for cooling down.
The lock has a simple mechanism that even a child can repair.
Words that go with mechanism
noun + noun
- defense mechanismSome lizards drop their tails as a defense mechanism.
- coping mechanismFor many teenagers, gaming is a coping mechanism for stress.
- safety mechanismA safety mechanism stops the machine if a hand gets too close.
noun + preposition
- mechanism forThere is no clear mechanism for reporting online abuse.
adjective + noun
- underlying mechanismThe study looks at the underlying mechanism of memory loss.