noun
Common
mechanics
muh-KA-nihks
Mechanics (noun) means the branch of physics dealing with forces and motion acting on objects. Example: “Mechanics explains why a ball rolls faster down a steeper slope.”
noun
1
The branch of physics dealing with forces and motion acting on objects.
"Mechanics explains why a ball rolls faster down a steeper slope."
"The course covers the mechanics of motion, from falling objects to spinning wheels."
"She studied mechanics before moving into aerospace engineering."
2
The practical details of how something works or is done.
"Can you explain the mechanics of how the voting system works?"
"The mechanics of getting a visa can be confusing for newcomers."
"He understood the mechanics of the deal but not the ethics behind it."
How to use mechanics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe science of motion and forces, or more broadly, the practical workings of any process.
Common pairings
quantum mechanics
mechanics of the game
basic mechanics
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_____ explains why a ball rolls faster down a steeper slope.
Etymology
From Latin mechanicus, from Greek mēkhanikós ("relating to machines").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “mechanics” mean?
The word “mechanics” means the branch of physics dealing with forces and motion acting on objects. In plain terms, the science of motion and forces, or more broadly, the practical workings of any process.
How do you pronounce “mechanics”?
“Mechanics” is pronounced muh-KA-nihks (/məˈkænɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “mechanics” in a sentence?
Here is “mechanics” used in a sentence: “She studied mechanics before moving into aerospace engineering.”
What part of speech is “mechanics”?
“Mechanics” is a noun.
Where does the word “mechanics” come from?
The word “mechanics” comes from Latin. From Latin mechanicus, from Greek mēkhanikós ("relating to machines").
Is “mechanics” a common word?
“Mechanics” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mechanics” have?
“Mechanics” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the branch of physics dealing with forces and motion acting on objects.
What is the difference between "mechanics" and "mechanism"?
"Mechanics" refers to the study of forces and motion, or more generally to how something works, while a "mechanism" is a specific system of parts that performs a function. You study the mechanics of an engine, but a clock's gears are its mechanism.
What is the difference between "mechanics" and "physics"?
Mechanics is a branch of physics, so it is a subset rather than a separate field. Physics covers all matter and energy, while mechanics focuses specifically on the forces and motion acting on objects.
Does "mechanics" take a singular or plural verb?
When "mechanics" refers to the branch of physics, it is treated as singular, as in "mechanics is a demanding subject." When it means the practical details of how something works, it is plural, as in "the mechanics of the deal are complex."
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