workings
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the parts inside a machine or device that make it work.
the internal parts or mechanism of a physical device that enable its operation.
Simple“He opened the back of the watch to look at its tiny gold workings.”
In context“The clockmaker spent hours cleaning the intricate brass workings of the grandfather clock to ensure it kept perfect time.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the way that an organization, a government, or a person's mind actually functions.
the internal processes, logic, or operational methods of an abstract system or organization.
Simple“The documentary explains the inner workings of the national government.”
In context“The investigative journalist spent months researching the inner workings of the corporation to uncover how decisions were actually made.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the parts of a mine or quarry where people are currently digging or have dug in the past.
the specific areas of a mine, quarry, or excavation where extraction is occurring or has occurred.
Simple“The old mine workings were dangerous and blocked off with a fence.”
In context“Geologists explored the abandoned workings of the silver mine to determine if any valuable minerals remained in the deeper tunnels.”
UsageUsually refers to the physical structure of the excavation site.
Synonyms
“He also noted the need to teach how the US government is organized, including the workings of various bodies at the local, state, and national levels.”