Collins English-English Dictionary

main [meɪn]

1. 1. adj [prenominal] chief or principal in rank, importance, size, etc

2. 2. adj sheer or utmost (esp in the phrase by main force)

3. 3. adj [nautical] of, relating to, or denoting any gear, such as a stay or sail, belonging to the mainmast

4. 4. adj [obsolete] significant or important

5. 5. n a principal pipe, conduit, duct, or line in a system used to distribute water, electricity, etc

6. 6. n

7. 7. n [plural] the main distribution network for water, gas, or electricity

8. 8. n (as modifier)

   mains voltage

9. 9. n the chief or most important part or consideration

10. 10. n great strength or force (now chiefly in the phrase (with) might and main)

11. 11. n [literary] the open ocean

12. 12. n short for Spanish Main

13. 13. n short for mainland

14. 14. n [Etymology] C13: from Old English mægen strength

main [meɪn]

1. 1. n a throw of the dice in dice games

2. 2. n a cockfighting contest

3. 3. n a match in archery, boxing, etc

4. 4. n [Etymology] C16: of unknown origin