Mechanics
/mɪˈkæn.ɪks/noun
The branch of physics concerned with motion and the forces acting on bodies; also, the practical art of operating or repairing machines.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek mēkhanḗ, a “device” or “contrivance,” which also gave English the idea of a deus ex machina—literally a “god from the machine.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*magh-
“to be able, have power”
Ancient Greek
Greek
mēkhanḗ (μηχανή)
“a device, means, contrivance; a clever apparatus or plot”
Late Greek
Greek
mēkhanikós (μηχανικός)
“skilled in contrivance or engineering; of machines”
Latin
Latin
mēchanicus
“pertaining to machines or mechanical arts”
Old French
Old French
mécanique
“mechanical; relating to machines or practical arts”
Modern English
English
mechanics
“the science of motion and forces; the practical working of machines”