hairspring

[ hair-spring ]

noun

, Horology.

1. a fine, usually spiral, spring used for oscillating the balance of a timepiece.

hairspring

/ ˈhɛəˌsprɪŋ /

noun

1. horology a very fine spiral spring in some timepieces, which, in combination with the balance wheel, controls the timekeeping

Word History and Origins

Origin of hairspring¹

First recorded in 1820–30; hair + spring

Example Sentences

Its hairspring, mainspring, ruby bearings and a few other parts were sourced from Switzerland.

From Los Angeles Times

A native of Shanghai, Sun has become a virtuoso of the soup dumpling, a snack that requires the meticulous, hairspring balance of a seven-jewel watch.

From Washington Post

It also features a patented blue Parachrom hairspring that is 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring, protecting the watch from shocks.

From Forbes

It is intended to be the first member of a family of movements incorporating both the DIAMonSIL escapement and an adjustable oscillator fitted with a silicium hairspring.

From New York Times

The steel hairspring having no compensating qualities, either grows stronger or weaker with changes in temperature.

From Project Gutenberg