Mechanics

Mechanics
Mechanics Me*chan"ics, n. [Cf. F. m['e]canique.] That science, or branch of applied mathematics, which treats of the action of forces on bodies. [1913 Webster]

Note: 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}. [1913 Webster]

{Animal mechanics} (Physiol.), that portion of physiology which has for its object the investigation of the laws of equilibrium and motion in the animal body. The most important mechanical principle is that of the lever, the bones forming the arms of the levers, the contractile muscles the power, the joints the fulcra or points of support, while the weight of the body or of the individual limbs constitutes the weight or resistance.

{Applied mechanics}, the principles of abstract mechanics applied to human art; also, the practical application of the laws of matter and motion to the construction of machines and structures of all kinds.

{orbital mechanics}, the principles governing the motion of bodies in orbit around other bodies under gravitational influence, such as artificial Earth satellites. [1913 Webster +PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • mechanics — ► [U] the study of the effect of physical forces on objects and their movement: »He is a professor of engineering, science and mechanics. ► [plural] the way something works or happens: »I m not interested in the mechanics of the advertising… …   Financial and business terms

  • mechanics — [mə kan′iks] n. [see MECHANIC] 1. the branch of physics that deals with the motion of material bodies and the phenomena of the action of forces on bodies: cf. STATICS, DYNAMICS, KINEMATICS 2. theoretical and practical knowledge of the design,… …   English World dictionary

  • mechanics — (n.) 1640s, based on L.L. mechanica, from Gk. mekhanike, mekhanika (see MECHANIC (Cf. mechanic) (adj.)); also see ICS (Cf. ics) …   Etymology dictionary

  • mechanics — ► PLURAL NOUN 1) (treated as sing. ) the branch of study concerned with motion and forces producing motion. 2) machinery or working parts. 3) the physical or practical aspects of something …   English terms dictionary

  • Mechanics — This article is about an area of scientific study. For other uses, see Mechanic (disambiguation). Mechanics (Greek Μηχανική) is the branch of physics concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and… …   Wikipedia

  • mechanics — /meuh kan iks/, n. 1. (used with a sing. v.) the branch of physics that deals with the action of forces on bodies and with motion, comprised of kinetics, statics, and kinematics. 2. (used with a sing. v.) the theoretical and practical application …   Universalium

  • mechanics — noun 1 how sth works/is done ADJECTIVE ▪ actual, basic ▪ We need to discuss the actual mechanics of the operation. ▪ simple ▪ The mechanics of creating a link are relatively simple …   Collocations dictionary

  • mechanics — noun plural but singular or plural in construction Date: 1612 1. a branch of physical science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on bodies 2. the practical application of mechanics to the design, construction, or operation of… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • mechanics — n. celestial; fluid; quantum mechanics * * * fluid quantum mechanics celestial …   Combinatory dictionary

  • mechanics — (Roget s IV) n. 1. [Theory of motion and work] Syn. kinetics, aeRomechanics, pure mechanics, rational mechanics, machine technology, technical details; see also physics , science 1 . 2. [Mechanical details] Syn. logistics, workings, procedures,… …   English dictionary for students

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”