| action |
the manner of a mechanism's moving or operating, or the mechanism itself. [1/8 definitions] |
| adjustment |
a means of adjusting, esp. a physical mechanism for regulating or correcting. [1/3 definitions] |
| alarm |
the sounding mechanism of an alarm clock or warning device. [1/5 definitions] |
| backstop |
(informal) any backup mechanism or safeguard. [1/2 definitions] |
| balance wheel |
a wheel that regulates the movement of parts of a mechanism, as in a watch or a music box. |
| blade |
a thin, flat part of a device or mechanism that pushes something such as air or water as it moves. [1/6 definitions] |
| bolt1 |
a sliding metal rod that pushes cartridges into the firing mechanism of a gun as it closes the breech. [1/14 definitions] |
| bombardier |
one who operates the bombsight and bomb-release mechanism in a bomber aircraft. |
| breech |
the back part of a gun barrel, esp. the location of the loading mechanism and chamber. [1/3 definitions] |
| checks and balances |
a governmental mechanism of self-regulation provided for in the U.S. and other constitutions, by which the powers of each branch of government are limited by powers vested in another branch of government. |
| clockwork |
the mechanical system and parts of a clock, or a similar mechanism. |
| cock1 |
the position of a gun's firing mechanism when it is ready to fire. [4/8 definitions] |
| coin-operated |
of a mechanism, activated or operated by the insertion of one or more coins in a slot. |
| contrive |
to cleverly devise (a mechanism or the like), esp. by improvising. [1/5 definitions] |
| crank |
to provide with a cranking mechanism. [1/6 definitions] |
| crossbow |
a bow mounted on a wooden stock that shoots arrows by means of a trigger mechanism. |
| cruise control |
a control mechanism in automobiles which keeps the vehicle traveling at a steady speed that is set by the driver. |
| detent |
a mechanical part that temporarily stops the motion of another, such as a catch that controls a clock's striking mechanism; pawl. |
| dial |
the mechanism of a television or radio for tuning to different channels or wavelengths. [2/8 definitions] |
| drivethrough |
a means by which customers can do business with an establishment at its premises without exiting their vehicles. This mechanism generally consists of a window to the establishment where business is conducted and a specially designated lane by which cars or other vehicles can access the window and exit once business is finished. [2/3 definitions] |
| escalator |
a moving stairway that operates on a belt mechanism to carry people between floors, as of a department store, airport, or train station. |