'mainspring' definitions:
Definition of 'mainspring'
(from WordNet)
noun
The most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism
Definition of 'mainspring'
From: GCIDE
- mainspring \main"spring`\, n. The principal or most important spring in a piece of mechanism, especially the moving spring of a watch or clock or the spring in a gunlock which impels the hammer. Hence: (Fig.) The chief or most powerful motive; the efficient cause of action; as, the mainspring of action. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'mainspring'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- ambition,
- aspiration,
- basis,
- calling,
- cause,
- consideration,
- font,
- fount,
- fountain,
- fountainhead,
- goal,
- ground,
- guiding light,
- guiding star,
- headspring,
- headstream,
- headwater,
- ideal,
- inspiration,
- intention,
- lodestar,
- matter,
- mine,
- motive,
- principle,
- quarry,
- reason,
- riverhead,
- sake,
- score,
- source,
- spring,
- springhead,
- ulterior motive,
- vocation,
- well,
- wellhead,
- wellspring