Mechanic
/məˈkæn.ɪk/noun
A person who repairs and maintains machines, or relating to machinery and technical work.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek mēkhanē, a “device” or “contrivance,” the same root behind dramatic stage-machines and the idea of a deus ex machina, where a god is literally “lowered by machine.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
mēkhanḗ
“a device, means, or contrivance; also a machine or stage apparatus”
Ancient Greek
Greek
mēkhanikós
“skilled in invention or in the use of machines; ingenious, mechanical”
Late Latin
Latin
mechanicus
“pertaining to machines; mechanical; also a mechanic or artisan”
Old French
French
mechanique
“mechanical; relating to machinery or practical arts”
14th Century
English
mechanic
“skilled in practical or manual arts; later, a person who works with machines”
Modern English
English
mechanic
“a person who repairs and maintains machines, especially vehicles”
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