mechanical

mechanical
—mechanically, adv. —mechanicalness, mechanicality, n.
/meuh kan"i keuhl/, adj.
1. having to do with machinery: a mechanical failure.
2. being a machine; operated by machinery: a mechanical toy.
3. caused by or derived from machinery: mechanical propulsion.
4. using machine parts only.
5. brought about by friction, abrasion, etc.: a mechanical bond between stones; mechanical erosion.
6. pertaining to the design, use, understanding, etc., of tools and machinery: the mechanical trades; mechanical ability.
7. acting or performed without spontaneity, spirit, individuality, etc.: a mechanical performance.
8. habitual; routine; automatic: Practice that step until it becomes mechanical.
9. belonging or pertaining to the subject matter of mechanics.
10. pertaining to, or controlled or effected by, physical forces.
11. (of a philosopher or philosophical theory) explaining phenomena as due to mechanical action or the material forces of the universe.
12. subordinating the spiritual to the material; materialistic.
n.
13. a mechanical object, part, device, etc.
14. Print. a sheet of stiff paper on which has been pasted artwork and type proofs for making a printing plate; paste-up.
15. Obs. a skilled manual laborer, as a carpenter or other artisan.
[1375-1425; late ME, equiv. to mechanic mechanical + -AL1; see MECHANIC]

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(as used in expressions)

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Universalium. 2010.

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