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Webster 1913 Edition


Mechanics

Me-chan′ics

,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
mécanique
.]
That science, or branch of applied mathematics, which treats of the action of forces on bodies.
☞ That part of mechanics which considers the action of forces in producing rest or equilibrium is called
statics
; that which relates to such action in producing motion is called
dynamics
. The term mechanics includes the action of forces on all bodies, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous. It is sometimes, however, and formerly was often, used distinctively of solid bodies only: The mechanics of liquid bodies is called also
hydrostatics
, or
hydrodynamics
, according as the laws of rest or of motion are considered. The mechanics of gaseous bodies is called also
pneumatics
. The mechanics of fluids in motion, with special reference to the methods of obtaining from them useful results, constitutes
hydraulics
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Mechanics

MECHAN'ICS

,
Noun.
That science which treats of the doctrines of motion. It investigates the forces by which bodies are kept either in equilibrium or in motion, and is accordingly divided into statics and dynamics.
A mathematical science which shows the effects of powers or moving forces, so far as they are applied to engines, and demonstrates the laws of motion.
It is a well known truth in mechanics, that the actual and theoretical powers of a machine will never coincide.

Definition 2024


mechanics

mechanics

English

Noun

mechanics (uncountable)

  1. (physics) The branch of physics that deals with the action of forces on material objects with mass
  2. The design and construction of machines.
  3. (writing) Spelling and punctuation.
  4. Operation in general; workings.
    the mechanics of a board game
    • 1991, Marilyn Cochran-Smith, ‎Cynthia L. Paris, ‎Jessica L. Kahn, Learning to Write Differently (page 99)
      It was anticipated that children who encountered difficulty with the mechanics of word processing could turn to the coach for help rather than interrupt Margaret's work with a reading group.
Derived terms
Translations

Etymology 2

Noun

mechanics

  1. plural of mechanic

Anagrams