mainspring

• Substantivo que designa a mola principal de um mecanismo, como a de um relógio, que ao se desenrolar faz o mecanismo funcionar; também pode se referir à força motriz ou causa principal de algo.

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.

   Mola principal

   • 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.

   Força motriz principal

   • 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.

   Sinônimoscatalystdriving forceimpetusinspirationmotivationmotiveprime moverstimulus