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Mainspring
noun
Definitions
Noun
- 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 the most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism wordnet
- 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”).
See also for "mainspring"
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