mainspring
mainspring · mainsprings
Antriebsfeder, Triebfeder, Hauptfeder
The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which drives it by uncoilingThe principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which drives it by uncoiling.
Meaning
2 sensesThe principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which drives it by uncoiling.
Antriebsfeder, Triebfeder, Hauptfeder
the most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism
(figuratively)The most important reason for, or element of, something.
My daughter is the mainspring of my life.
Translations
6 languagesDeutsch
By meaning 1
the principal spring of a clockwork mechanism:
Origin
From main + spring. For figurative sense, compare spring (“source, origin”).From main + spring. For figurative sense, compare spring (“source, origin”).
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: mainsprings| Singular | mainspring |
|---|---|
| Plural | mainsprings |
regular