mainspring
[ meyn-spring ]
/ ˈmeɪnˌsprɪŋ /
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noun
the principal spring in a mechanism, as in a watch.
the chief motive power; the impelling cause.
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Words nearby mainspring
mains, mainsail, main sequence, main shaft, mainsheet, mainspring, main squeeze, mainstay, main stem, main store, mainstream
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for mainspring
mainspring
/ (ˈmeɪnˌsprɪŋ) /
noun
the principal power spring of a mechanism, esp in a watch or clock
the chief cause or motive of something
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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