mainspring

English

noun
Definitions
  • The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which drives it by uncoiling.
  • (figuratively) The most important reason for something (Cf. spring "origin of something" (literary) (often in the plural) the springs of her ambition).

Etymology

Compound from English main (power, might, force, strength) + English spring.

Origin

English

spring

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms