1. Relating to machinery:
* A mechanical engineer designs and builds machines.
* A mechanical problem is an issue with a machine's operation.
* A mechanical toy is a toy that relies on gears, levers, or other physical mechanisms to function.
2. Relating to physical movement or force:
* Mechanical energy is energy associated with motion and position.
* Mechanical advantage is the ratio of output force to input force in a machine.
* A mechanical wave is a wave that travels through a medium by the vibration of particles.
3. Automatic or lacking spontaneity:
* A mechanical performance might be described as lacking emotion or creativity.
* A mechanical response is a reaction that is not thoughtful or genuine.
4. Related to mechanics:
* The mechanics of a situation refer to its underlying principles and how it works.
* Mechanical laws are the principles governing the motion and interaction of objects.
To understand the specific meaning of "mechanical" in a particular context, you need to consider the surrounding words and the general subject matter.