mechanism
gb/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/ us/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
B1
English
~ 1900
szerkezet, mechanizmus, eljárás, rendszer, hatásmechanizmus
NOUN
B1
1
szerkezet
B1
mechanizmus
B2
Usage pattern:
a mechanism for [doing something]
The locking mechanism on the door is broken.
Elromlott az ajtó zárszerkezete.
This camera has an automatic focusing mechanism.
A fényképezőgép automatikus élességállító mechanizmussal rendelkezik.
Engineers studied the mechanism that controls the robot's arm.
The clock’s mechanism needs oiling to work smoothly.
Learner examples
The door has a simple locking mechanism.
Az ajtón egyszerű zárszerkezet van.
A watch has a small mechanism inside it.
Egy órában egy apró szerkezet van.
The pen’s click mechanism is broken.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'mechanism' with 'machine'; a mechanism is often part of a machine, not the whole machine.
Meaning
system of parts that work together
Collocations
safety mechanism
|locking mechanism
|release mechanism
|mechanism of action
Synonyms
device (A general term for a piece of equipment, not necessarily focusing on the moving parts.)
|
apparatus (More formal term, often used for complex equipment.)
Antonyms
disassembly (Refers to taking apart the connected parts, the opposite process of having a functioning mechanism.)
Themes
technology
|engineering
|daily life
|science
Definition
A group of parts in a machine that move or work together to do something.
A set of connected parts within a machine or device that work together to perform a specific task or function.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
a mechanism for [doing something]
We need a better mechanism for handling customer complaints.
Jobb mechanizmusra van szükségünk az ügyfélpanaszok kezelésére.
The voting mechanism ensures fairness in the election.
A szavazási mechanizmus biztosítja, hogy a választás igazságos legyen.
The body has natural mechanisms to fight infection.
Learner examples
We have no mechanism for fixing this problem.
Nincs mechanizmusunk ennek a problémának a megoldására.
The school has a new mechanism for helping students.
Az iskolának új rendszere van a diákok segítésére.
Our body has a mechanism to stop bleeding.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'mechanism' where 'method' or 'system' is more common in everyday speech.
Meaning
process or method of working
Collocations
mechanism for change
|payment mechanism
|decision-making mechanism
Synonyms
system (Broad term for an organized method; not limited to machinery.)
|
procedure (More formal and often step-by-step method.)
Antonyms
chaos (Lack of any ordered process or system.)
Themes
business
|science
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A way or system by which something works or is done.
A process, system, or method that is used to produce a particular result or make something work.
NOUN
B2
TECHNICAL
3
mechanizmus
C1
Usage pattern:
mechanism of [process]
Scientists are studying the mechanisms of memory formation.
A tudósok az emlékezet kialakulásának mechanizmusait vizsgálják.
The drug’s mechanism of action is well understood.
A gyógyszer hatásmechanizmusa jól ismert.
Photosynthesis is the primary mechanism plants use to produce food.
Learner examples
Doctors study the mechanism of how the drug works.
Az orvosok a gyógyszer hatásmechanizmusát vizsgálják.
We learned the mechanism of breathing in biology class.
Biológiaórán megtanultuk a légzés mechanizmusát.
The mechanism of digestion breaks food into small parts.
Meaning
biological or chemical process causing an effect
Collocations
mechanism of disease
|mechanism of action
|defense mechanism
Synonyms
process (General term; does not emphasize causal detail as much as 'mechanism' in science.)
Themes
science
|medicine
Definition
In science, the way something in the body or in nature works to cause a result.
In science, the specific biological or chemical process by which something occurs or produces an effect.
Grammar
Dictionary form
mechanism
IPA
GB/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
US/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
mech - an - ism (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mech)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: mechanism
- Plural: mechanism, mechanisms
Word family
Forms
mechanisms
noun
Core family
Advanced or less common
mechanization
noun
mechanistic
adjective
Expressions
defense mechanism
1/dɪfˈɛns mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
process protecting from harm or stress
A way your mind or body reacts automatically to protect you from harm or stress.
Examples
- Humor can be a defense mechanism against anxiety.
- Sweating is the body's defense mechanism to cool down.
mechanism of action
1/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm əv ˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
how a substance works in the body
The exact way a drug or chemical works inside the body to cause an effect.
Examples
- Researchers are investigating the mechanism of action of the new drug.
- The medication's mechanism of action involves blocking certain nerve signals.