mainspring Definition
- 1the most important or influential part of something
- 2the power source in a mechanical clock or watch that drives the movement of its parts
Using mainspring: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mainspring" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The mainspring of the company's success is its innovative technology.
Example
The mainspring of the economy is consumer spending.
Example
The mainspring of the watch needed to be replaced.
mainspring Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mainspring
- motivation
- impetus
- engine
- heart
- core
- driving force
Phrases with mainspring
wind up the mainspring
to tighten the power source in a mechanical clock or watch
Example
Be sure to wind up the mainspring of the grandfather clock every day.
to become exhausted or depleted of energy or enthusiasm
Example
After working long hours for several weeks, he was running down like a mainspring and needed a break.
to adjust the power source in a mechanical clock or watch
Example
The watchmaker carefully set the mainspring to ensure accurate timekeeping.
Origins of mainspring
from main, meaning 'chief' or 'principal', and spring, meaning 'source of power'
Summary: mainspring in Brief
The term 'mainspring' [meyn-spring] refers to the most important or influential part of something, such as the driving force behind a company's success or the engine of an economy. It also refers to the power source in a mechanical clock or watch that drives its movement. Phrases like 'wind up the mainspring' and 'set the mainspring' relate to adjusting the power source, while 'run down like a mainspring' describes exhaustion or depletion of energy.
