An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The structure or arrangement of parts of a machine or similar device, or of anything analogous.
   

2. The agency or means by which an effect is produced or a purpose is accomplished.

Etymology (EN): From Mod.L. mechanismus, from Gk. mekhane, → machine.

Etymology (PE): Sâzokâr, literally “making and working,” from sâz “apparatus; (musical) instrument,” from sâzidan, sâxtan “to build, make, fashion; to adapt, adjust, be fit” (from
Mid.Pers. sâxtan, sâz-, Manichean Parthian s’c’dn “to prepare, to form;” Av. sak- “to understand, to mark,” sâcaya- (causative) “to teach”) + kâr “work,” from kardan “to do, to make” (Mid.Pers. kardan; O.Pers./Av. kar- “to do, make, build;” Av. kərənaoiti “he makes;” cf. Skt. kr- “to do, to make,” krnoti “he makes, he does,” karoti “he makes, he does,” karma “act, deed;” PIE base k^wer- “to do, to make”).