MAINSPRING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does mainspring mean? 

• MAINSPRING (noun)
  The noun MAINSPRING has 1 sense:

1. the most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism

  Familiarity information: MAINSPRING used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MAINSPRING (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("mainspring" is a kind of...):

spring (a metal elastic device that returns to its shape or position when pushed or pulled or pressed)

Holonyms ("mainspring" is a part of...):

clockwork (any mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring; resembles the works of a mechanical clock)

 Context examples 

HEEP, and only HEEP, is the mainspring of that machine.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

That this dog and White Fang should come together was inevitable, and for a week the anticipated fight was the mainspring of conversation in certain quarters of the town.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

This hitch in the mainspring of the domestic machinery had a bad effect upon the whole concern, but Amy's motto was 'Nil desperandum', and having made up her mind what to do, she proceeded to do it in spite of all obstacles.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)