mainspring (redirected from mainsprings)

main·spring  (mnsprng)

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.

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mainspring

Noun

1. the chief cause or motive of something: the mainspring of a dynamic economy

2. the chief spring of a watch or clock

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

mainspring - the most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism clockwork - any mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring; resembles the works of a mechanical clock spring - a metal elastic device that returns to its shape or position when pushed or pulled or pressed; "the spring was broken"