Meaning & Definition of word "Mechanical"

Mechanical

/məˈkænɪkəl/

noun:

  • 1. A device or machine designed to operate in a specific manner.
    • Example: The clock is a complex mechanical that has been keeping time for over a century.

adjective:

  • 1. Related to machines or machinery; involving physical processes rather than human emotions or creativity.
    • Example: The factory relies heavily on mechanical processes to produce its goods.
  • 2. Performed without thought; automatic or habitual.
    • Example: His mechanical response to criticism showed he had not considered her point of view.
  • 3. Relating to the laws of mechanics; pertaining to the movement or operation of physical objects.
    • Example: In an engineering class, we explored various mechanical principles that govern motion.

Etymology

From the Latin 'mechanicus', from Greek 'mēkhanikos', relating to machines.

Common Phrases and Expressions

mechanical advantage:

A gain in force or power in a machine.

mechanical work:

Work done by a machine or due to its physical operations.

mechanical properties:

Characteristics such as strength, elasticity, and plasticity of materials.

Related Words

mechanics:

The branch of physics dealing with the motion of objects.

mechanism:

A system of parts working together in a machine.

mechanistic:

Relating to the theory that physical phenomena can be explained by mechanical principles.

Slang Meanings of mechanical

Meaning: Describing someone who is very unemotional or robotic.

Example Sentence: He was acting so mechanical during the group project; there was no creativity at all.

Meaning: Referring to something done without thought or feeling.

Example Sentence: Her mechanical chuckle made it clear she wasn’t really amused by the joke.