mainspring

/ˈmeɪnsprɪŋ/ /ˈmeɪnˌsprɪŋ/

Meanings

noun

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

Examples :

"The old clock stopped working because the mainspring was broken. "

noun

The most important reason for something (Cf. spring "origin of something" (literary) (often in the plural) the springs of her ambition).

Examples :

"My daughter is the mainspring of my life."

business attitude mind philosophy

Related Words

something noun

/ˈsamθɪŋ/ /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

An object whose nature is yet to be defined.

"My friend told me there was something in the box, but I didn't know what it was yet. "

important adjective

/ɪmˈpɔːtənt/ /ɪmˈpɔɹtənt/

Having relevant and crucial value.

"It is very important to give your daughter independence in her life so she learns from experience."

ambition noun

/æmˈbɪ.ʃən/

Eager or inordinate desire for some object that confers distinction, as preferment, honor, superiority, political power, or literary fame; desire to distinguish one's self from other people.

"My son, John, wants to be a firefighter very much. He has a lot of ambition."

because adverb

/bɪˈkɒz/ /biˈkɔz/

For the reason (that).

"I went to the park because the weather was nice. "

daughter noun

/ˈdɑ.tɚ/ /ˈdɔːtə(ɹ)/ /ˈdɔ.tɚ/

One’s female offspring.

"I already have a son, so I would like to have a daughter."

stopped verb

/stɑpt/

To cease moving.

"I stopped at the traffic lights."

principal noun

/ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/ /ˈpɹɪnsəp̬əl/

The money originally invested or loaned, on which basis interest and returns are calculated.

"A portion of your mortgage payment goes to reduce the principal, and the rest covers interest."

uncoiling verb

/ʌnˈkɔɪlɪŋ/ /ʌŋˈkɔɪlɪŋ/

To unwind or untwist (something).

"The garden hose was slowly uncoiling as I pulled it across the yard. "

mechanism noun

/ˈmɛkənɪzm/

(within a machine or machinery) Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.

"The bicycle's gears are a complex mechanism that converts the rider's pedaling motion into forward movement. "

clockwork noun

/ˈklɒkwɜːk/ /ˈklɑkwɝk/

A mechanism powered by a coiled spring and regulated by some form of escapement; the power is transmitted through toothed gearwheels and used to drive a mechanical clock, toy, or other device.

"The intricate clockwork of the grandfather clock chimed the hours precisely. "

working noun

/ˈwɜːkɪŋ/ /ˈwɝkɪŋ/

(usually in the plural) Operation; action.

"The construction crew's working on the new school building is going smoothly. "

literary adjective

/ˈlɪt(ə)ɹi/ /ˈlɪtəɹɛ(ə)ɹi/

Relating to literature.

"a literary history"