mechanism
gb/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/ us/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
B1
Anglais
~ 1900
Sens
0 sens
Nom
B1
entity
1
system of parts that work together
A group of parts in a machine that move or work together to do something.
Schéma d’usage :
a mechanism for [doing something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'mechanism' with 'machine'; a mechanism is often part of a machine, not the whole machine.
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
disassembly (Refers to taking apart the connected parts, the opposite process of having a functioning mechanism.)
Collocations
safety mechanism
|locking mechanism
|release mechanism
|mechanism of action
Thèmes
technology
|engineering
|daily life
|science
Exemples
- The locking mechanism on the door is broken.
- This camera has an automatic focusing mechanism.
- Engineers studied the mechanism that controls the robot's arm.
- The clock’s mechanism needs oiling to work smoothly.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The door has a simple locking mechanism.
- A watch has a small mechanism inside it.
- The pen’s click mechanism is broken.
Nom
B2
entity
2
process or method of working
A way or system by which something works or is done.
Schéma d’usage :
a mechanism for [doing something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may overuse 'mechanism' where 'method' or 'system' is more common in everyday speech.
Synonymes
system (Broad term for an organized method; not limited to machinery.)
|
procedure (More formal and often step-by-step method.)
Antonymes
chaos (Lack of any ordered process or system.)
Collocations
mechanism for change
|payment mechanism
|decision-making mechanism
Thèmes
business
|science
|society
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- We need a better mechanism for handling customer complaints.
- The voting mechanism ensures fairness in the election.
- The body has natural mechanisms to fight infection.
Exemples pédagogiques
- We have no mechanism for fixing this problem.
- The school has a new mechanism for helping students.
- Our body has a mechanism to stop bleeding.
Nom
technical
B2
entity
3
biological or chemical process causing an effect
In science, the way something in the body or in nature works to cause a result.
Schéma d’usage :
mechanism of [process]
Synonymes
process (General term; does not emphasize causal detail as much as 'mechanism' in science.)
Collocations
mechanism of disease
|mechanism of action
|defense mechanism
Thèmes
science
|medicine
Exemples
- Scientists are studying the mechanisms of memory formation.
- The drug’s mechanism of action is well understood.
- Photosynthesis is the primary mechanism plants use to produce food.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Doctors study the mechanism of how the drug works.
- We learned the mechanism of breathing in biology class.
- The mechanism of digestion breaks food into small parts.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
mechanism
API
GB/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
US/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
Syllabes et accentuation
mech - an - ism (3 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (mech)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: mechanism
- Plural: mechanism, mechanisms
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- Researchers are investigating the mechanism of action of the new drug.
- The medication's mechanism of action involves blocking certain nerve signals.