MAINSPRING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (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)

Credits