How Do You Spell MAINS?

Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ɪnz] (IPA)

The word "mains" is often used to refer to the primary source of something. For example, in the context of electrical power, "mains" means the main power supply. Its spelling can be explained with IPA phonetic transcription as /meɪnz/. This indicates that the word is pronounced with the "ay" sound like in "day," followed by a "z" sound at the end. "Mains" is a commonly used word in various fields like plumbing, electrical, and cooking to signify the main source or pipeline.

MAINS Meaning and Definition

  1. Mains is a noun referring to the principal or primary pipelines or circuits that distribute utilities such as electricity, gas, or water to a building or an area. It can also be used to describe the primary pipes or cables that distribute water or sewage throughout a city or town. In this sense, mains are the main conduits that supply essential resources to residences, businesses, and municipalities.

    Additionally, mains can also refer to the principal courses or routes of communication, transportation, or access. For instance, it may denote the primary highways, roads, or railway lines that connect different regions or cities.

    In the culinary context, mains refer to the main course or entree of a meal. It is the main dish that typically follows the appetizer or starter course. Mains usually constitute the most substantial and filling portion of a meal, often featuring meat, fish, or a vegetarian alternative accompanied by various sides or accompaniments.

    Overall, mains can refer to the primary distribution channels for utilities, the principal routes of transportation or access, or the main course in a meal. The specific meaning of the term is typically dependent on the context in which it is used.

Top Common Misspellings for MAINS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for MAINS

Etymology of MAINS

The word "mains" has multiple origins depending on the context in which it is used. Here are the two most common etymologies:

1. In the context of electricity: The term "mains" in reference to the electrical power supply comes from the Old English word "mægen", meaning "strength" or "might". This evolved into the Middle English word "meyne", meaning "power" or "force". Over time, it transitioned to "main" and eventually became "mains" in the early 20th century as the term was adopted to describe the main electrical supply network.

2. In the context of plumbing: The term "mains" in reference to water supply pipes can be traced back to the Latin word "manus", meaning "hand". In medieval Latin, "mansus" was used to refer to a landed estate or a dwelling place with surrounding grounds.

Similar spelling words for MAINS

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