Definition of: mechanism

(mek′ə·niz′əm) noun
1. The parts of a machine collectively; machinery in general.
2. A system which constitutes a working agency.
3. Technique; mechanical execution or action.
4. The theory that the forces that produce organic growth are the same physical and chemical agencies that operate in the inorganic world, differing from them only in degree: opposed to vitalism.
5. Psychol. The mental processes, conscious or unconscious, by which certain actions are effected. See synonyms under TOOL.
—mech′·a·nis′tic adjective
—mech′a·nis′ti·cal·ly adverb