mechanism

mechanism /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/ noun
plural mechanisms
mechanism
/ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/
noun
plural mechanisms
Britannica Dictionary definition of MECHANISM
[count]
1 
: a piece of machinery : a mechanical part or group of parts having a particular function
2 
: a process or system that is used to produce a particular result
3 
: a way of acting, thinking, or behaving that helps or protects a person in a specified way
— see also defense mechanism, escape mechanism