Mechanism

Template:Wiktionarypar Mechanism is the following:

In general, a mechanism is part of a chain of causes leading to some object or process.
In philosophy, mechanism is a theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.
In mechanics a mechanism is a piece of machinery, a "device" or even an "idea".
In horology, a mechanism is a piece of time-keeping device
In science a mechanism is a physical or chemical process involved in a natural phenomenon.
In economics a mechanism is a set of rules designed to bring about a certain outcome through the interaction of a number of agents each of whom maximizes his or her own utility.