/ ˈmeɪnsprɪŋ; NAmE / noun
1.
[ usually sing. ] mainspring (of sth) ( formal ) the most important part of sth; the most important influence on sth
2.
the most important spring in a watch, clock, etc.
/ ˈmeɪnsprɪŋ; NAmE / noun
1.
[ usually sing. ] mainspring (of sth) ( formal ) the most important part of sth; the most important influence on sth
2.
the most important spring in a watch, clock, etc.
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005