Mainspring: alternatives and connections

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Mainspring

The principal or most important spring in a piece of mechanism, especially the moving spring of a watch or clock or the spring in a gunlock which impels the hammer. Hence: The chief or most powerful motive; the efficient cause of action.

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42 useful connections shown 2 reviewed relationships and 40 broader connections.

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Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

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Broader term 1

Spring 76% connected

To leap; to bound; to jump.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

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Containing whole 1

Clockwork 70% connected

The machinery of a clock, or machinery resembling that of a clock; machinery which produces regularity of movement.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a containing group, substance or whole.

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