mɪˈkænɪkəl adj. 1 of or relating to machines or mechanisms. 2
working or produced by
machinery. 3 (of a
person or action) like a
machine;
automatic;
lacking originality. 4 a (of an
agency,
principle, etc.) belonging to
mechanics. b (of a
theory etc.) explaining
phenomena by
the assumption of mechanical
action. 5 of or relating to mechanics as a
science. ømechanical
advantage the
ratio of exerted to
applied force in a machine. mechanical
drawing a scale drawing of machinery etc.
done with precision instruments. mechanical
engineer a person
skilled in the
branch of
engineering dealing with the
design,
construction,
and repair of machines. mechanical
equivalent of
heat the
conversion factor between heat
energy and mechanical energy. øømechanicalism n. (in
sense 4). mechanically adv. mechanicalness n. [ME f. L mechanicus (as MECHANIC)]