mecanismo
nounCEFR B2
What does “mecanismo” mean in English?
mechanism — the means by which something operates or is brought about
mechanism — the means by which something operates or is brought about (mecanismo biológico; mecanismo de defensa)
Example sentences
Aún no se conoce con exactitud el mecanismo biológico por el que este fármaco reduce la inflamación.
The exact biological mechanism by which this drug reduces inflammation is still unknown.
La negación es uno de los mecanismos de defensa más frecuentes estudiados por el psicoanálisis.
Denial is one of the most frequently studied defence mechanisms in psychoanalysis.
El tratado establece un mecanismo de resolución de disputas que evita el recurso a los tribunales nacionales.
The treaty establishes a dispute resolution mechanism that avoids recourse to national courts.
How to use it
El mecanismo (noun, masculine) means 'mechanism' — the means by which something operates or is brought about. Key collocations: mecanismo de defensa (defence mechanism); mecanismo de control; mecanismo biológico; mecanismo de financiación; activar un mecanismo. Distinguish from proceso (process — a sequence of steps) and sistema (system — an organised whole). Mecanismo de defensa (psychology) is a key B2 compound.
Common mistake
Mecanismo (the means/how something works) ≠ máquina (physical machine). Mecanismo de defensa — note it is defensa (defence), not defensivo. Poner en marcha un mecanismo (to set a mechanism in motion) is a common collocaton. Mecanismo (not *mecanismo de funcionamiento — redundant in most contexts).