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mainspring

 - 2 dictionary results

main⋅spring

  [meyn-spring]
Use mainspring in a Sentence
–noun
1. the principal spring in a mechanism, as in a watch.
2. the chief motive power; the impelling cause.
Origin:
1585–95; main 1 + spring
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To mainspring
main·spring   (mān'sprĭng')   
n.  

  1. The principal spring in a mechanical device, especially a watch or clock, that drives the mechanism by uncoiling.

  2. The chief motivating force: the mainspring of a reform movement.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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