hairspring

American  

[hair-spring] / ˈhɛərˌsprɪŋ /

noun

Horology.

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

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hairspring British  

/ ˈhɛəˌsprɪŋ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of hairspring

First recorded in 1820–30; hair + spring

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hairspring

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

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2023

However, Shapiro said, the production version of Resurgence will include a hairspring and bearings made in America.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2023

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 ● Nov. 23, 2012

The whole economy seemed poised on such hairspring scales that businessmen took courage, or fright, from every vagrant sign.

From Time Magazine Archive

Either position in which the hairspring may rub will have a shorter motion and a gain in time compared to the opposite position in which there is no interference.

From Rules and Practice for Adjusting Watches by Walter J. Kleinlein