mechanismnoun [ C ]
uk/ˈmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/us/ˈmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/mechanism noun [ C ] (MACHINE PART)
C1 a part of a machine, or a set of parts that work together:
These automatic cameras have a special focusing mechanism.
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Machines - parts
- ball bearing
- bearing
- clutch
- cog
- cogwheel
- hub
- inlet
- input
- jet
- lever
- manifold
- pedal
- rack and pinion
- ram
- ratchet
- soft key
- stepney
- timer
- vee belt
- wheel
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mechanism noun [ C ] (SYSTEM)
C1 a way of doing something that is planned or part of a system:
The mechanism for collecting taxes needs revising.
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Ways of achieving things
- a means to an end idiom
- actively
- another
- avenue
- basis
- channel
- fair
- jump
- mean
- medium
- mixed media
- modality
- modus operandi
- one way or another idiom
- one-handed
- resort
- vein
- what's the drill for sth? idiom
- whereby
- workings
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mechanism noun [ C ] (BEHAVIOUR)
a part of your behaviour that helps you to deal with a difficult situation:
She's actually kind of insecure, and her rudeness is just a defence mechanism.
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Acting and acts
- (your) every move idiom
- -ation
- act/do sth on your own responsibility idiom
- action
- activity
- agency
- ant
- be up to sth idiom
- feel
- gambit
- get around to sth
- give yourself over/up to sth
- go about sth
- go about your business idiom
- go through with sth
- hand
- manoeuvring
- money
- talk the talk idiom
- up to
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