nonmechanical
1
5.9
- adjective
- /ˌnɒn.mɪˈkæn.ɪ.kəl/
- To reduce costs, the team focused on nonmechanical methods for construction, using manual labor instead of machinery.
Examples
-
When heavy weather gets in the way of mechanical recovery, Shell's plans shift chiefly to nonmechanical methods: namely, in-situ burning and the use of chemical dispersants.
Academic text (2012) -
He avoids even pumps for aeration or recirculation, preferring to find nonmechanical solutions to purifying wastewater.
Academic text (1996) -
The gardener prefers nonmechanical tools to gently tend to the plants without damaging their roots.
-
She believes that nonmechanical approaches, such as handmade crafts, can lead to better quality work than mass production.
Synonyms
1
5.1
Not using machines or electronic tools
1
4.9
Done by people instead of machines
1
4.9
Needing a person to operate it by hand
1
5.3
Not having an engine, for example a toy moved by hand
1
5.6
A vehicle like a bike or boat that does not use a motor
1
6.3
Not using electricity or machines
1
7.2
That does not use machines for work
Antonyms
How Mechanical
102
4.0
- Specialized
14
4.2
181
4.1
1
5.9
139
3.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
nonmechanical = mechanical (transparent) = non + mechanical
The adjective is formed by the productive prefix 'non-' negating 'mechanical', giving the literal sense 'not mechanical' (not involving machines).
Etymology
Nonmechanical joins non- 'not' with mechanical, which is all about 'machines' and the same idea as mechanic. So a nonmechanical thing is 'not' run by machines or does not use machines.