Definizione monolingua

mainspring

mainspring (plural mainsprings)

1. The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.
   • 1922, Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

     He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away.

2. (figuratively) The most important reason for something.

   My daughter is the mainspring of my life.

Definizione dizionario mainspring

Altri significati:

The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.

spring (e.g. coil, leaf)

(figuratively) The most important reason for something.