mainspring

• Nom désignant le ressort principal d'un mécanisme, notamment dans une montre ou une horloge, qui se détend pour actionner le mouvement. Par extension, il peut désigner la force motrice ou la cause première à l'origine de quelque chose.

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.

   ressort moteur

   • 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.

   Principal moteur

   • 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.

   Synonymescatalystdriving forceimpetusinspirationmotivationmotiveprime moverstimulus