mechanics
Definitions
The branch of physics that deals with the motion of bodies and the forces acting on them
力学（物理学分支）
The practical working details or inner workings of something
运作方式，机理，具体细节
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmechan (machine, motion) + -ics (the science or study of) = 'the study of how things move.' In physics this is the field of force and motion (classical mechanics, quantum mechanics). In everyday use it shifts to the practical inner workings of anything — 'the mechanics of the deal.' Both senses ask the same question: what are the moving parts, and how do they fit together?
Root mechane still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
Watch the grammar by sense. As the science (sense 1), mechanics is treated as singular: 'Mechanics is a hard subject.' As the practical details (sense 2), it is plural: 'The mechanics of the deal are complicated.' Also note: mechanics here is a different word from mechanics meaning 'more than one mechanic' — same spelling, unrelated grammar.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Quantum mechanics describes how particles behave at the smallest scale.
- 2.
He studied fluid mechanics as part of his physics degree.
- 3.
Let's talk about the mechanics of how the payment actually works.
- 4.
She explained the mechanics of writing a screenplay step by step.