mechanism -
n. 1 the structure or adaptation of parts of a machine.
2 a system of mutually adapted parts working together in or as in a machine.
3 the mode of operation of a process.
4 Art mechanical execution; technique.
5 Philos. the doctrine that all natural phenomena, including life, allow mechanical
explanation by physics
and chemistry.
[mod.L mechanismus f. Gk (as MACHINE)] 
