Mainspring

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which drives it by uncoiling.

    "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. 2
    the most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism wordnet
  3. 3
    The most important reason for, or element of, something. figuratively

    "My daughter is the mainspring of my life."

Etymology

From main + spring. For figurative sense, compare spring (“source, origin”).

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