mechanism

noun

1. 1

   (within a machine or machinery) Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.

2. 2

   Any combination of cams, gears, links, belts, chains and logical mechanical elements.

3. 3

   A group of entities, such as objects, that interact together.

   “political machine”

4. 4

   A mental, physical or chemical process.

5. 5

   Any process of, or system designed to manage useful energy conversion.

6. 6

   The theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.