Mechanical Meaning

UK /mɪˈkænɪkəl/
US /mɪˈkænɪkəl/
Word Definition
mechanical meaning

Mechanical Definition & Usage

adjective

Relating to machines or mechanical devices, or operated by machinery.

Examples

  • "The mechanical arm on the assembly line can move objects with incredible precision."
  • "His watch stopped working because a small mechanical part inside broke."
  • "The mechanical process of sorting the packages is highly automated."
  • "She is studying mechanical engineering to design more efficient engines."
  • "The mechanical properties of the material make it ideal for construction."
adjective

Performed automatically or without thought, as if by a machine.

Examples

  • "His response was purely mechanical, as if he had said the same words a thousand times."
  • "The workers followed a mechanical routine every day."
  • "She gave a mechanical nod, not really paying attention to the conversation."
  • "The mechanical nature of his actions showed he had done the task countless times."
  • "Their laughter sounded forced and mechanical, as if they were just going through the motions."
adjective

Concerning the science or practice of mechanics, particularly in engineering or technology.

Examples

  • "He specialized in mechanical design for aerospace applications."
  • "The mechanical failure of the engine led to the plane's emergency landing."
  • "Mechanical principles are essential for understanding how engines work."
  • "The mechanical properties of this alloy make it suitable for high-pressure environments."
  • "We need to analyze the mechanical forces acting on the bridge under heavy loads."

Cultural Context

The term 'mechanical' has evolved over centuries, originating from the study of mechanics and the mechanical arts in ancient civilizations. In modern contexts, it refers to everything from engineering and machinery to the automated behavior of individuals. The word has both a technical and a figurative sense, reflecting its broad usage in today's world.

The Mechanical Clockmaker

Story

The Mechanical Clockmaker

In a quiet town nestled by the river, there was a small workshop where George, a mechanical engineer, spent his days designing intricate clock mechanisms. The town had once been famous for its mechanical clock towers, and George had inherited the tradition from his father, who had also been a clockmaker. As George worked on a new timepiece, he noticed the mechanical parts clicking together with perfect harmony, much like his own routine life. Every day, he followed a strict schedule, working tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, barely noticing the passing of time. One evening, as he adjusted the gears of his latest creation, George’s assistant, Ella, entered the workshop. ‘Your work is incredible,’ she said, watching the gears turn smoothly. ‘But sometimes, George, I wonder if your life is just as mechanical as the clocks you make.’ George paused, reflecting on her words. He realized that, just like the gears of the clock, his life had become automated, running on the same routine without change or passion. He decided to make a change. The next day, instead of working on clocks, George took a walk through the forest, breathing in the fresh air and allowing himself to appreciate the present moment. The mechanical nature of his life had been broken, and he felt more alive than ever before.

The Mechanical Clockmaker