mainspring
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Contents
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Noun[edit]
mainspring (plural mainsprings)
- The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which 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.
- 1922, Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit
- (figuratively) The most important reason for something.
- My daughter is the mainspring of my life.
Translations[edit]
the principal spring of a clockwork mechanism
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