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

The Fountain’s tradition of extending a wide communal embrace, welcoming underrepresented voices and addressing urgent social concerns, is clearly going to be a mainspring of Caldwell’s leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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