mechanist
UK: ˈmekənɪst | US: ˈmekənɪst
n. 1. A person who believes in or advocates mechanistic principles (e.g., explaining phenomena solely through physical or mechanical laws).
n. 2. A specialist in mechanics or machinery.
The word "mechanist" combines "mechan," derived from the Greek "mēkhanē" (meaning "machine" or "device"), with the suffix "-ist," from Latin "-ista" (indicating a person associated with a practice or belief). The term reflects the Enlightenment-era focus on mechanical explanations for natural phenomena, evolving to describe both philosophical adherents and technical experts in machinery.
The mechanist argued that human behavior could be reduced to biochemical reactions.
As a skilled mechanist, she repaired complex industrial equipment with precision.
Descartes' dualism was challenged by materialist mechanists of his time.
The workshop employed a mechanist to maintain its automated assembly line.
His reputation as a mechanist grew after he designed a revolutionary engine component.