mechanicals

/məˈkænɪkəlz/
noun
  1. The practical or technical aspects of something, such as how a machine or system works.
    • Before you can write a good story, you need to learn the mechanicals of grammar.
    • She struggled with the mechanicals of using the new software.
    • The mechanic explained the mechanicals of the engine to the students.
  2. Printed sheets or artwork prepared for reproduction, especially in publishing.
    • The publisher kept the mechanicals in a large flat file cabinet.
    • Old mechanicals were often pasted up by hand before digital design.
    • The designer sent the mechanicals to the printer for the book cover.