Skip to main content
mechanical system

mechanical system

1 4.3
A group of connected parts that work together to do a job
  • noun
  • /məˈkænɪkəl ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema mecánico
  • Our team upgraded the mechanical system of the old clock to improve its accuracy.
  • quantum mechanical systems
  • mechanical systems design
  • mechanical system dynamics

Examples

  • The ball screw actuators can be used individually, in tandem, or as part of a larger mechanical system.

    Academic text (2004)
  • For commercial applications, the iMobot provides an adaptable mechanical system for quickly prototyping robotic systems.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The operator is considering a mechanical system to roll up the covers.

    Academic text (1998)
  • As in the car, mechanical systems still control the last few meters of the powertrain.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The automakers need people who understand both mechanical systems and computer networks to integrate vehicle electronics.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Integrating electronics and software into mechanical systems, for example, has become a growth field for MEs.

    Academic text (2004)
  • In this device, however, a new mechanical system replaces the pulleys and carbon fiber strips.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The engineer designed a complex mechanical system that efficiently converts energy into motion.

  • This mechanical system uses gears and levers to automate the production process.

Synonyms

system
vsmechanical system
2.7

A group of connected parts that work together as a whole, like a computer or machine

is specifically about parts interacting according to physical motion laws to work
mechanism
vsmechanical system
  • Jargon
91 4.4

A group of moving parts that work together to do a job

is broader, applying to interconnected parts that follow physical motion laws
hydraulic system
vsmechanical system
  • Specialized
3 4.2

A set of parts that use liquid pressure to move or control machines

is a general set of parts that interact by physical force rules

How Complex

integrated
2 3.8
mechanical system
  • Specialized
1 4.3
mechanism
  • Jargon
91 4.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

mechanical + system

The meaning 'a system concerned with or made of mechanical parts' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'mechanical' (relating to machines) with 'system' (a set of interacting components). This compositional pattern is literal and cross‑linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reliably infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Mechanical system comes from the simple picture of mechanical parts like gears and springs in a system that move together to make a machine work. So today it means a set of parts that move together to do a 'job'.