attrib.
- chief in size or importance主要的; 首要的：
a main road
干道
the main problem is one of resources.
首要问题是资源问题。
1
- a principal pipe carrying water or gas to buildings, or taking sewage from them（输送水、煤气或污水的）主管道; 总管。
1.1
- a principal cable carrying electricity总电源线, 主电线。
1.2
the mains
Brit. the source of public water, gas, or electricity supply through pipes or cables〈英〉（输送自来水、燃气或电力的）总管道; 主线。
2
the main
archaic or poetic/literary the open ocean〈古或诗/文〉大海, 海洋; 公海。
短语
by main force
- through sheer strength凭全身力气。
in the main
- on the whole总体上, 大体上。
词源
Middle English: from Old English mægen 'physical force'， reinforced by Old Norse meginn, megn 'strong， powerful'， both from a Germanic base meaning 'have power'.