Inglese

mechanism

gb/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/ us/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
B1 Inglese
~ 1900
Accezioni
0 accezioni
Sostantivo B1 entity
1

system of parts that work together

A group of parts in a machine that move or work together to do something.

Schema d'uso: a mechanism for [doing something]
Errore comune:
Learners sometimes confuse 'mechanism' with 'machine'; a mechanism is often part of a machine, not the whole machine.
Sinonimi
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.)
Contrari
disassembly (Refers to taking apart the connected parts, the opposite process of having a functioning mechanism.)
Collocazioni
safety mechanism |locking mechanism |release mechanism |mechanism of action
Temi
technology |engineering |daily life |science
Esempi
  • 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.
Esempi per chi studia
  • The door has a simple locking mechanism.
  • A watch has a small mechanism inside it.
  • The pen’s click mechanism is broken.
Sostantivo B2 entity
2

process or method of working

A way or system by which something works or is done.

Schema d'uso: a mechanism for [doing something]
Errore comune:
Learners may overuse 'mechanism' where 'method' or 'system' is more common in everyday speech.
Sinonimi
system (Broad term for an organized method; not limited to machinery.) | procedure (More formal and often step-by-step method.)
Contrari
chaos (Lack of any ordered process or system.)
Collocazioni
mechanism for change |payment mechanism |decision-making mechanism
Temi
business |science |society |core_vocabulary
Esempi
  • 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.
Esempi per chi studia
  • 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.
Sostantivo 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.

Schema d'uso: mechanism of [process]
Sinonimi
process (General term; does not emphasize causal detail as much as 'mechanism' in science.)
Collocazioni
mechanism of disease |mechanism of action |defense mechanism
Temi
science |medicine
Esempi
  • 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.
Esempi per chi studia
  • 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.
Grammatica
Forma base
mechanism
IPA
GB/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
US/mˈɛkənˌɪzəm/
Sillabe e accento
mech - an - ism (3 sillabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (mech)
Forme flesse
Noun
  • Base: mechanism
  • Plural: mechanism, mechanisms
Famiglia di parole
Forms
mechanisms noun
Core family
mechanical adjective B1 mechanically adverb B2 mechanic noun A2
Related words
mechanics noun mechanize verb B2 machinery noun B1
Advanced or less common
mechanization noun mechanistic adjective
Espressioni

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.

Esempi
  • 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.

Esempi
  • Researchers are investigating the mechanism of action of the new drug.
  • The medication's mechanism of action involves blocking certain nerve signals.

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