mainstay

• Personne ou chose qui constitue le soutien principal ou l'élément stabilisateur essentiel de quelque chose ; ou, en termes maritimes, cordage ou hauban qui maintient le mât principal.

A noun referring to a person or thing that is the chief support or primary stabilizing element of something, or a nautical term for a rope securing the mainmast.

1. Prominent supporterB2formal

   A person or thing that is a primary source of support or stability for something.

   Principal soutien

   • She is the mainstay of the local charity organization.
   • Volunteers are the mainstay of the community center.
   • His dedication made him a mainstay of the team.

   Synonymesanchorbackbonebulwarkcornerstonefoundationpillarpropstanchionsupport

2. Central cohesive sourceB2formal

   A central element that provides stability and cohesion to a group or system.

   Pilier central

   • Agriculture is the mainstay of the country's economy.
   • Family traditions are the mainstay of their cultural identity.
   • The mainstay of the project is its dedicated staff.

   Synonymesanchorbackbonebulwarkcornerstonefoundationkeystonelinchpinpillar

3. Nautical termC1formal

   A rope or cable that supports the mainmast of a sailing ship.

   étai de grand mât

   • The sailor checked the mainstay before setting sail.
   • A broken mainstay can cause the mast to collapse.
   • The mainstay is essential for the stability of the ship's rigging.