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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 action
.

Definition 2024


mainspring

mainspring

English

Noun

mainspring (plural mainsprings)

  1. 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.
  2. (figuratively) The most important reason for something.
    My daughter is the mainspring of my life.

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