mechanism, chemical mechanism -- (the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction; "he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions")
mechanism, mechanics -- (the technical aspects of doing something; "a mechanism of social control"; "mechanisms of communication"; "the mechanics of prose style")
mechanism -- (a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function; "the mechanism of the ear"; "the mechanism of infection")
mechanism -- ((philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes)
mechanism -- (device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function)