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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mainspring¹

First recorded in 1585–95; main ¹ + spring

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

“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.”

From Literature

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

From The New Yorker

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

From The Guardian

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

Related Words

• aim
• cause
• consideration
• emotion
• feeling
• idea
• impulse
• influence
• intent
• intention
• motivation
• passion
• rationale