Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In agreement with mechanical principles; according to the laws of mechanism or good workmanship: as, the machine is mechanically perfect.
  • By mechanical force or means; by physical power: as, water mechanically raised.
  • In a manner resembling a machine; without care or reflection; by the mere force of habit; automatically; not spontaneously: as, to play on an instrument mechanically.
  • Without loss of the constitution or identity of elements; in a manner involving change of place or figure without change of structure or constitution; without the aid of chemical attraction: as, elements mechanically united in air; a body mechanically decomposed.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adverb In a mechanical manner.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adverb In a mechanical manner.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adverb in a machinelike manner; without feeling
  • adverb in a mechanical manner; by a mechanism

Etymologies

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Examples

  • This concept exists; its called mechanically recharging zinc.

    A Brief History of Batteries- Part 1 Venkat's Energy Blog 2010

  • Pizza Pops contain mechanically separated chicken (or at least they used to).

    Breakfast Memories 2005

  • Pizza Pops contain mechanically separated chicken (or at least they used to).

    Archive 2005-05-01 2005

  • Beryl wrote her name mechanically in letters that zigzagged crazily.

    Red-Robin Jane Abbott

  • The man repeated the name mechanically, with his eyes on the square of paper, while the girl pushed the blankets back and placed dishes upon the table.

    Prairie Flowers 1921

  • He wrote his name mechanically only, not knowing what he did; and felt not, till after he had signed, that Mignon was standing at his side, was holding by his arm, and had softly tried to stop him and pull back his hand.

    Chapter III. Book V 1917

  • But attempting to do this, he would soon feel that "to know how to read mechanically" is nothing, and that he needs to go back to school.

    The Montessori Method Anne E. Montessori George 1912

  • He copied the word mechanically, knowing it was wrong.

    Orpheus in Mayfair and Other Stories and Sketches Maurice Baring 1909

  • "Sophy Pargeter?" he repeated the name mechanically, but with a sudden wincing.

    The Uttermost Farthing Marie Belloc Lowndes 1907

  • He uttered the word mechanically, scarcely knowing what he was saying.

    The Man Who Lost Himself 1907

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