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Webster 1913 Edition
mainspring
main′springˊ
,Noun.
The principal or most important spring in a piece of mechanism, especially the moving spring of a watch or clock or the spring in a gunlock which impels the hammer.
Hence:
(Fig.)
The chief or most powerful motive; the efficient cause of action;
as, the
. mainspring
of actionDefinition 2024
mainspring
mainspring
English
Noun
mainspring (plural mainsprings)
- The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.
- 1922, Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit
- He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away.
- 1922, Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit
- (figuratively) The most important reason for something.
- My daughter is the mainspring of my life.
Translations
the principal spring of a clockwork mechanism
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