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Wellspring vs Mainspring - What's the difference?

wellspring | mainspring |

As nouns the difference between wellspring and mainspring

is that wellspring is the source of water for a stream, spring or well; a fountainhead; a wellhead while mainspring is the principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.

wellspring

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • The source of water for a stream, spring or well; a fountainhead; a wellhead.
  • A perennial source of anything; a fountainhead of supply or emanation; resource.

    • mainspring

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.
  • * 1922 , (Margery Williams), (The Velveteen Rabbit)
    • He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away.
  • (figuratively) The most important reason for something.
    • My daughter is the mainspring of my life.