μηχανισμούς
Wordform Details
Translation: mechanismapparatus
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinepluralaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: μηχανισμός
Translation: mechanism; machinery; device; apparatus (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek μηχανή (mēkhanḗ, 'machine, device') + -ισμός (-ismós, a suffix forming nouns). The root μηχανή shares origins with English words like 'machine', 'mechanical', and 'mechanics', all deriving from the Proto-Indo-European *māgh- ('to be able, to have power'). The concept originally referred to clever devices or contrivances, often with connotations of ingenuity or artifice.
Example Usage
Ο μηχανισμός του ρολογιού είναι πολύ περίπλοκος.
The mechanism of the clock is very complex.
Η κυβέρνηση δημιούργησε έναν νέο μηχανισμό ελέγχου της φοροδιαφυγής.
The government created a new mechanism to control tax evasion.
Οι μηχανισμοί άμυνας του οργανισμού μας προστατεύουν από τις ασθένειες.
Our body's defense mechanisms protect us from diseases.
Mnemonics
- Think 'mechanic-ismos' - where the 'ismos' suffix indicates a system or process related to mechanics.
- Sounds like 'mechanism' in English, which is its direct translation.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Widely used in technical, scientific, and everyday contexts. In modern Greek society, the term is often used in discussions about governmental or institutional systems, particularly when referring to bureaucratic processes.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μηχανισμός' refers to a mechanism or system of working parts, 'μηχανή' refers to a machine or engine as a whole unit.
Notes: In everyday speech, these terms might sometimes be used interchangeably, but in technical contexts, the distinction is important.
Mnemonic: 'Μηχανισμός' ends with '-ισμός' suggesting a system or process, while 'μηχανή' is the machine itself.
Explanation: 'Μηχανισμός' typically refers to physical components working together, while 'σύστημα' is broader and can refer to any organized set of principles or procedures, not necessarily physical.
This word:
Ο μηχανισμός του ρολογιού σταμάτησε να λειτουργεί.
The mechanism of the clock stopped working.
Confused word:
Το εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα της χώρας χρειάζεται μεταρρύθμιση.
The country's educational system needs reform.
Notes: Both terms can be used metaphorically, but 'μηχανισμός' retains more of its mechanical connotations.
Mnemonic: Think of 'μηχανισμός' as the physical gears and parts, while 'σύστημα' is the overall organization or structure.