mechanics
/mɪˈkanɪks
/plural noun
1 [treated as singular] The branch of applied mathematics dealing with motion and forces producing motion: the laws of mechanics and electricity predicted that the electrons would spiral inward until they collided with the nucleus...
- With this work Lagrange transformed mechanics into a branch of mathematical analysis.
- Dynamics is defined as that branch of mechanics that deals with forces and their relation primarily to motion.
- He applied mechanics to improve turbines and waterwheels more than doubling the efficiency of the waterwheel.
2The machinery or working parts of something: he looks at the mechanics of a car before the bodywork...
- I put my ear to the floor and hear only the rumble of the mechanics beneath the train and the scrape of the wheels grinding against the iron tracks.
- We could trace back the mechanics of the machine and learn the mind of God.
- There are clear, educational explanations of the physics of the tasks and the mechanics of the machines.
2.1The practical study of machinery: skills like carpentry, motor mechanics, and electrics...
- Wanting to do more than cobble, he taught himself maths, navigation and practical mechanics.
- This work was to be in four parts, arithmetic, geometry, mechanics, and hydraulics.
- The scheme is run chiefly for boys interested in mechanics and mechanical engineering.
2.2The way in which something is done or operated: the mechanics of cello playing...
- He has a strong but erratic arm and should find more touch if he develops more consistent mechanics.
- We correct mechanics like hand position, fingering creativity or mezzo pianos that are too loud.
- The first argument depends upon the mechanics involved in the making of a confiscation order.