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View synonyms for mainspring

mainspring

[ meyn-spring ]

noun

  1. the principal spring in a mechanism, as in a watch.
  2. the chief motive power; the impelling cause.


mainspring

/ ˈmeɪnˌsprɪŋ /

noun

  1. the principal power spring of a mechanism, esp in a watch or clock
  2. the chief cause or motive of something
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of mainspring1

First recorded in 1585–95; main 1 + spring
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Example Sentences

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

“It’s how my father taught me. If I don’t wind it consistently, it won’t keep time as well. And if I overwind it, the mainspring might break.”

The question of appropriation is the editorial mainspring of “The Dolphin Letters.”

This was the mainspring of the anti-liberal revolt in the region.

There was a box for the mainsprings, a box for the hammers, a box for the faceplates and a box for the gunpowder pans.

From BBC

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mainsheetmain squeeze