mechanism

n 1: the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction;

"he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical

reactions" [syn: {chemical mechanism}]

2: technical aspects of doing something; "mechanisms of

communication"; "the mechanics of prose style" [syn: {mechanics}]

3: a natural object resembling a machine in structure and

function; "the mechanism of the ear"

4: a piece of machinery or a mechanical device; has moving

parts that perform some function