Associations to the word «Mainspring»

Wiktionary

MAINSPRING, noun. The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.
MAINSPRING, noun. (figuratively) The most important reason for something.

Dictionary definition

MAINSPRING, noun. The most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism.

Wise words

More wisdom is latent in things as they are than in all the words men use.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery