mainspring

• Substantiv, das die Hauptfeder in einem mechanischen Gerät bezeichnet, etwa in einer Uhr, die abläuft und den Mechanismus antreibt. Im übertragenen Sinn auch die treibende Kraft, der Hauptantrieb oder die Ursache von etwas.

A noun referring to the principal spring in a mechanical device, such as a clock or watch, which uncoils to drive the mechanism.

1. Primary spring in a mechanismC1formal

   The most important spring in a mechanical device, especially a clock or watch, which drives the mechanism as it uncoils.

   Triebfeder

   • The watchmaker carefully replaced the broken mainspring.
   • The mainspring of the clock had to be wound every day.
   • Without a functioning mainspring, the timepiece cannot operate.

2. Primary driving forceC1formal

   The main source of energy, motivation, or cause behind something.

   Triebfeder

   • Curiosity was the mainspring of his scientific discoveries.
   • The mainspring of the company's success is its innovative culture.
   • Her passion for justice served as the mainspring of her activism.

   Synonymecatalystdriving forceimpetusinspirationmotivationmotiveprime moverstimulus