Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Mechanics
Me-chan′ics
,Noun.
[Cf. F.
mécanique
.] That science, or branch of applied mathematics, which treats of the action of forces on bodies.
☞ That part of mechanics which considers the action of forces in producing rest or equilibrium is called
statics
; that which relates to such action in producing motion is called dynamics
. The term mechanics includes the action of forces on all bodies, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous. It is sometimes, however, and formerly was often, used distinctively of solid bodies only: The mechanics of liquid bodies is called also hydrostatics
, or hydrodynamics
, according as the laws of rest or of motion are considered. The mechanics of gaseous bodies is called also pneumatics
. The mechanics of fluids in motion, with special reference to the methods of obtaining from them useful results, constitutes hydraulics
. Webster 1828 Edition
Mechanics
MECHAN'ICS
,Noun.
A mathematical science which shows the effects of powers or moving forces, so far as they are applied to engines, and demonstrates the laws of motion.
It is a well known truth in mechanics, that the actual and theoretical powers of a machine will never coincide.