mechanics

noun

me·​chan·​ics mi-ˈka-niks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: a branch of physical science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on bodies

2

: the practical application of mechanics to the design, construction, or operation of machines or tools

3

: mechanical or functional details or procedure

the mechanics of the brain

Synonyms

• ins and outs
• ropes
• workings

Examples of mechanics in a Sentence

the mechanics of running one's own online business

Recent Examples on the Web

The mechanics buttressed the front suspension with a pair of Bilstein shocks and a Cadillac-limousine anti-roll bar the size of your thigh. —Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023

But while the mechanics have changed, the end result is similar. —Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Feb. 2023

To top it all off, the grounds feature all the gas pumps, car washes, detailing equipment and full-time mechanics and driving instructors. —Nathan Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Feb. 2023

Quantum mechanics explains how subatomic particles behave, or don’t behave, in very strange ways on the smallest of scales. —Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 31 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mechanics

• body mechanics
• classical mechanics
• fluid mechanics
• quantum mechanics
• statistical mechanics
• wave mechanics

Kids Definition

mechanics

singular or plural noun

me·​chan·​ics mi-ˈkan-iks 

1

: a science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on bodies

2

: the application of mechanics to the making or operation of machines

3

: the details of the way something works or is done

the mechanics of running

Medical Definition

mechanics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

me·​chan·​ics mi-ˈkan-iks 

: a branch of physical science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on material bodies