HAIRSPRING Meaning and
Definition
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A hairspring is a sensitive, coiled steel spring found in mechanical timepieces, such as wristwatches and chronographs. It is an integral component of the escapement, which serves to regulate the movement of the watch, controlling its accuracy and precision.
Typically, the hairspring is circular or spiral in shape and is expertly crafted to provide a delicate balance between flexibility and rigidity. It is usually made from resilient alloys, such as Nivarox or Elinvar, that possess excellent temperature compensation properties and resistance to magnetism. The hairspring is very thin and is attached at its outer end to the balance wheel, while the inner end is connected to the balance staff or collet.
When the watch is wound, the hairspring is tensioned, allowing it to oscillate back and forth at a specific frequency or beat rate. This oscillation, in conjunction with the balance wheel, controls the rate at which the watch operates. The hairspring's ability to expand and contract with incredible precision ensures accurate timekeeping.
The hairspring's ultimate purpose is to provide a restoring force that counteracts any disturbances or perturbations, such as external shocks or gravitational effects, that may affect the balance wheel's motion. This allows the watch movement to maintain a consistent rate and ensure accurate timekeeping, making the hairspring one of the vital elements in a mechanical timepiece's operation.
In summary, the hairspring is a delicate, coiled spring that regulates the oscillation of the balance wheel in a mechanical watch, playing a critical role in maintaining the watch's accuracy and precision.
Common Misspellings for HAIRSPRING
- gairspring
- bairspring
- nairspring
- jairspring
- uairspring
- yairspring
- hzirspring
- hsirspring
- hwirspring
- hqirspring
- haurspring
- hajrspring
- hakrspring
- haorspring
- heirespring
Etymology of HAIRSPRING
The word "hairspring" originated in the early 18th century, combining the words "hair" and "spring".
The term "hair" refers to a fine strand or filament, often used to describe fine, thin materials like human hair. In the context of the hairspring, it pertains to the extremely fine, delicate nature of the spring.
The word "spring" in this context refers to a flexible, coiled material that can store and release energy. In watchmaking, a hairspring is a very thin, coiled spring made of a special alloy that governs the oscillating motion of the balance wheel, regulating the timekeeping function of a mechanical watch. It acts as the main component of the balance wheel system.
So, when combined, "hairspring" signifies a fine, delicate coiled spring used in watchmaking to regulate the timekeeping function of a mechanical timepiece.
Similar spelling words for HAIRSPRING
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