n.
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English m ǣ gen-, from m ǣ gen strength
Date: 15th century
1 : CHIEF , PRINCIPAL <the main idea>
2 : fully exerted : SHEER < main force> <by main strength>
3 obsolete : of or relating to a broad expanse (as of sea)
4 : connected with or located near the mainmast or mainsail
5 : expressing the chief predication in a complex sentence <the main clause>