{
    "term": "mechanism",
    "partOfSpeech": "noun",
    "academic": true,
    "ox5000": true,
    "cefr": "b2",
    "definitions": [
        {
            "senseNumber": 1,
            "definition": "a set of moving parts in a machine that performs a task",
            "cefr": "b2",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "a delicate watch mechanism"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The mechanism for locking the door of the washing machine is childproof."
                },
                {
                    "text": "The gun froze, jamming the mechanism."
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Engineering"],
            "collocations": {
                "adjective": ["firing", "locking", "steering"],
                "verb + mechanism": ["activate", "jam"],
                "mechanism + verb": ["operate", "work"]
            }
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 2,
            "definition": "a method or a system for achieving something",
            "cefr": "c1",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "mechanisms for dealing with complaints from the general public"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The college has established an effective student support mechanism."
                },
                {
                    "text": "The government is held accountable through the mechanism of regular general elections."
                },
                {
                    "text": "The system provides a mechanism whereby information is channelled into the market."
                },
                {
                    "text": "an effective mechanism for enforcing the rules"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Simple repetition was regarded as an effective learning mechanism."
                },
                {
                    "text": "The present mechanisms of government could be improved."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Various mechanisms are in place for dealing with emergencies."
                },
                {
                    "text": "We need some kind of mechanism for making appointments."
                }
            ],
            "collocations": {
                "adjective": ["effective", "exact", "precise"],
                "verb + mechanism": ["provide", "propose", "suggest"],
                "mechanism + verb": ["operate", "work", "allow something"],
                "preposition": [
                    "by the mechanism of",
                    "through the mechanism of",
                    "mechanism for"
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 3,
            "definition": "a system of parts in a living thing that together perform a particular function",
            "cefr": "c1",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "the balance mechanism in the ears"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Scientists have been unable to explain the exact mechanism behind this effect."
                },
                {
                    "text": "This activates the body's thirst mechanism."
                },
                {
                    "text": "physiological mechanisms regulating the release of hormones"
                }
            ],
            "collocations": {
                "adjective": ["effective", "exact", "precise"],
                "verb + mechanism": ["provide", "propose", "suggest"],
                "mechanism + verb": ["operate", "work", "allow something"],
                "preposition": [
                    "by the mechanism of",
                    "through the mechanism of",
                    "mechanism for"
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "pronunciations": {
        "uk": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/ˈmekənɪzəm/",
                "audio": "me/mechanism/mechanism__gb_1.mp3"
            }
        ],
        "us": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/ˈmekənɪzəm/",
                "audio": "me/mechanism/mechanism__us_1.mp3"
            }
        ]
    },
    "wordOrigin": "mid 17th cent.: from modern Latin mechanismus, from Greek mēkhanē, from mēkhos ‘contrivance’."
}