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1. The atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction
   "he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions";
   - chemical mechanism
    
2. The technical aspects of doing something
   "a mechanism of social control"; "mechanisms of communication";
   - mechanics
    
3. A natural object resembling a machine in structure or function
   "the mechanism of the ear"; "the mechanism of infection"
    
4. (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes
    
5. Device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function

Derived forms: mechanisms

Type of: carrying into action, carrying out, chemical action, chemical change, chemical process, device, execution, natural object, performance, philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory

Encyclopedia: Mechanism