mech‧a‧nis‧m S3 W3 AC / mekənɪz ə m / 名词 [可数名词]

1 part of a machine or a set of parts that does a particular job :

the brake mechanism

a clock mechanism

2 a system that is intended to achieve something or deal with a problem

mechanism for (doing) something

existing mechanisms for decision making

mechanism to do something

The Army has set up mechanisms to help jobless ex-soldiers get work. → exchange rate mechanism

3 a system or a way of behaving that helps a living thing to avoid or protect itself from something difficult or dangerous

defence/control/survival mechanism

When a person is ill, the body’s natural defence mechanisms come into operation.

4 the way that something works

mechanism of

the mechanism of the brain