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

Words to me were magic. You could say a word and it could conjure up all kinds of images or feelings or a chilly sensation or whatever. It was amazing to me that words had this power.
Amy Tan