View source for main

{{also|Main|mäin|-main}}
==English==
{{was wotd|2018|October|11}}

===Pronunciation===
* {{enPR|mān|a=RP,GA}}, {{IPA|en|/meɪn/}}
* {{audio|en|en-us-main.ogg|a=GA}}
* {{audio|en|en-au-main.ogg|a=AU}}
* {{rhymes|en|eɪn|s=1}}
* {{homophones|en|mane|Maine}}

===Etymology 1===
{{root|en|ine-pro|*megʰ-}}
From {{inh|en|enm|mayn}}, {{m|enm|main}}, {{m|enm|maine}}, {{m|enm|mæin}}, {{m|enm|meyn}}, from {{m|enm|main|pos=noun}} (''see further'' at [[#Etymology 2|etymology 2]]); compare {{inh|en|ang|mægen-||strong, main, principal}} {{qualifier|used in combination}}<ref>{{R:MED Online|entry=main|pos=adj|id=MED26523|accessdate=3 June 2018}}</ref> and {{der|en|non|megn}}, {{m|non|megenn||strong, main}}.

The word is cognate with {{cog|goh|megīn||strong, mighty}} (modern {{cog|de|Möge}}, {{m|de|Vermögen||power, wealth}}), and also akin to {{cog|ang|magan||to be able to}}. ''See also'' {{m|en|may}}.

====Adjective====
{{en-adj|-}}

# Of [[chief#Adjective|chief]] or [[leading#Adjective|leading]] [[importance]]; [[prime#Adjective|prime]], [[principal#Adjective|principal]]. {{defdate|from 15th c.}}
#: {{ux|en|The '''main''' office is actually one of the smaller rooms.}}
#* {{RQ:Tillotson Works|sermon=I|passage=''Religion'' direct us rather to ſecure ''inward peace'' than ''outward eaſe'', to be more careful to avoid ''everlaſting'' and ''intolerable torment'' than  ''ſhort'' and ''light afflictions which are but for a moment''; {{...}} In a word, our '''''main''' intereſt'' is to be ''as happy as we can'', and ''as long as is poſſible''; and if we be caſt into ſuch circumſtances, that we muſt be either in part and for a time or elſe wholly and always miſerable, the ''beſt wiſdom'' is to chuſe the ''greateſt'' and ''moſt laſting happiness'', but the ''leaſt'' and ''ſhorteſt miſery''.}}
#* {{RQ:Maxwell Mirror and the Lamp|chapter=VII|page=77|passage=With some of it on the south and more of it on the north of the great '''main''' thoroughfare that connects Aldgate and the East India Docks, St. Bede's at this period of its history was perhaps the poorest and most miserable parish in the East End of London.}}
#* {{quote-book|en|author=[[w:George Goodchild|[George Goodchild]]]|chapter=5|title=Death on the Centre Court; a McLean Mystery|location=London|publisher=[[w:Hodder & Stoughton|Hodder and Stoughton]]|year=1935|oclc=80449799|passage=By one o'clock the place was choc-a-bloc. {{...}} The restaurant was packed, and the promenade between the two '''main''' courts and the subsidiary courts was thronged with healthy-looking youngish people, drawn to the Mecca of tennis from all parts of the country.}}
# Chief, most [[important]], or principal in [[extent]], [[size#Noun|size]], or [[strength]]; consisting of the [[largest]] part.
#: {{synonyms|en|largest}}
#: {{ux|en|'''main''' timbers}}
#: {{ux|en|'''main''' branch of a river}}
#: {{ux|en|'''main''' body of an army}}
#* {{RQ:Milton Paradise Lost|book=VI|page=170|lines=470–471|passage=Not uninvented that, which thou aright / Beleivſt ſo '''main''' to our ſucceſs, I bring; {{...}}|year=1873}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|title=The Future of Oil: Yesterday’s fuel|url=https://www.economist.com/leaders/2013/08/03/yesterdays-fuel|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801154742/http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21582516-worlds-thirst-oil-could-be-nearing-peak-bad-news-producers-excellent|archivedate=1 August 2013|newspaper=w:The Economist|date=3 August 2013|volume=408|issue=8847|passage=The dawn of the oil age was fairly recent. Although the stuff was used to waterproof boats in the Middle East 6,000 years ago, extracting it in earnest began only in 1859 after an oil strike in Pennsylvania. {{...}} It was used to make kerosene, the '''main''' fuel for artificial lighting after overfishing led to a shortage of whale blubber. Other liquids produced in the refining process, too unstable or smoky for lamplight, were burned or dumped.}}
# {{lb|en|archaic|of force, strength, etc.}} [[full|Full]], [[sheer]], [[undivided]]. {{defdate|from 16th c.}}
#* {{RQ:Scott Rob Roy|volume=I|page=281|passage={{...}} I shall never forget the diabolical sneer which writhed Rashleigh's wayward features, as I was forced from the apartment by the '''main''' strength of two of these youthful Titans.}}
#* {{RQ:Scott Tales of the Crusaders|volume=I|chapter=IV|page=71|passage=Wounded and overthrown, the Britons continued their resistance, clung round the legs of the Norman steeds, and cumbered their advance; while their brethren, thrusting with pikes, proved every joint and crevice of the plate and mail, or grappling with the men-at-arms, strove to pull them from their horses by '''main''' force, or beat them down with their bills and Welch hooks.}}
# {{lb|en|dialectal}} [[big|Big]]; [[angry]].
# {{lb|en|nautical}} Belonging to or connected with the principal [[mast]] in a [[vessel]].
# {{lb|en|obsolete}} [[great#Adjective|Great]] in size or [[degree]]; [[important]], [[powerful]], [[strong]], [[vast]].
#* {{quote-book|en|author=w:Samuel Daniel|chapter=The History of the Civil War. Book V.|title=The Poetical Works of Mr. Samuel Daniel, Author of the English History.{{nb...|To which is Prefix’d, Memoirs of His Life and Writings.}}|location=London|publisher=Printed for R. Gosling,{{nb...|against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleetstreet;}} W. Mears,{{nb...|at the Lamb,}} and J. Browne{{nb...|at the Black Swan, without Temple-Bar}}|year=1718|volume=II|section=stanza LXXXIX|page=167|pageurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=qx4JAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA167|oclc=1904801|passage=And now that Current with '''main''' Fury ran / (The Stop remov'd that did the Courſe defend) / Unto the full of Miſchief, that began / T' an univerſal Ruin to extend; {{...}}}}

=====Derived terms=====
{{der4|en|title=Terms derived from ''main'' (adjective)
|main clause
|main verb|Main Standard Time
|main drag
|main road
|mainsail
|mainly
|mainstream
|main diagonal
|mainstay|main character|main menu
|main sequence
|main-sequence
|main pot
|maincrop
|drain the main vein
|mainpin
|main battle tank
|main memory
|main dish
|main contractor| main page
|main bitch
|main group
|main course
|main building
|mainstage
|main stage
|main chance
|main house
|main earth
|mainspace
|mainboard
|main wheel
|mainchain
|mainstem
|mainshock
|mainspan
|left main
|main frame
|mainframe
|nonmain
|Percy Main
|main asteroid belt|main belt|main character syndrome|main curtain|main deck|main drape|main gear|main group element|main guard|main market|main rag|main sheet|main thing|on main
|main man
}}

=====Translations=====
{{trans-top|chief, most important, or principal in extent, etc.}}
* Arabic: {{t|ar|رَئِيسِيّ}}
*: Egyptian Arabic: {{t|arz|رئيسي|tr=raʔīsi}}
* Armenian: {{t+|hy|գլխավոր}}
* Asturian: {{t|ast|principal}}
* Azerbaijani: {{t+|az|əsas}}
* Belarusian: {{t+|be|гало́ўны|m|sc=Cyrl}}, {{t+|be|асно́ўны}}
* Bulgarian: {{t+|bg|гла́вен}}, {{t+|bg|осно́вен}}
* Catalan: {{t+|ca|principal|m|f}}
* Chinese:
*: Mandarin: {{t+|cmn|首要|tr=shǒuyào}}, {{t+|cmn|重要|tr=zhòngyào}}, {{t+|cmn|主要|tr=zhǔyào}}
* Czech: {{t+|cs|hlavní}}
* Danish: {{t|da|[[hoved]]-}}, {{t|da|generel}}, {{t|da|hovedsagelig}}
* Dutch: {{t|nl|hoofd-}}, {{t+|nl|voornaam|alt=voornaamste}}, {{t+|nl|belangrijk|alt=belangrijkste}}
* Esperanto: {{t|eo|ĉefa}}
* Estonian: {{t|et|pea-}}
* Finnish: {{t|fi|pää-}}, {{t+|fi|pääasiallinen}}, {{t+|fi|valta|alt=valta-}}
* French: {{t+|fr|principal}}
* Galician: {{t+|gl|principal}}
* Georgian: {{t|ka|მთავარი|sc=Geor}}
* German: {{t+|de|haupt-}}, {{t+|de|hauptsächlich}}
* Greek: {{t+|el|κύριος}}
*: Ancient: {{t|grc|κεφάλαιος}}
* Hebrew: {{t+|he|ראשי|tr=rashí}}, {{t|he|עִיקָּרִי|tr=‘ikarí}}
* Hungarian: {{t+|hu|fő}}
* Icelandic: {{t+|is|aðal-}}
* Indonesian: {{t+|id|terutama}}, {{t|id|paling penting}}
* Italian: {{t+|it|principale}}
* Japanese: {{t+|ja|主要|tr=しゅような, shuyōna|alt=主要な}}, {{t+|ja|主|tr=おもな, omo na|alt=主な}}, {{t+|ja|主|tr=しゅ, shu}}
* Khmer: {{t+|km|ដើម}}
* Korean: {{t+|ko|주요하다}}
* Latin: {{t|la|principalis}}
* Lingala: {{t|ln|ya libosó}}
* Macedonian: {{t|mk|главен}}
* Malay: {{t|ms|utama}}, {{t+|ms|tino}}
* Manx: {{t|gv|ard-nheeagh}}
* Maori: {{t|mi|matua}}, {{t+|mi|tino}}
* Mari:
*: Eastern Mari: {{t|mhr|тӱҥ}}
* Mongolian: {{t-needed|mn}}
* Norman: {{t|nrf|prîncipal}}
* Norwegian: {{t|no|hoved-}}
* Old English: {{t|ang|hēafod-}}, {{t|ang|hēafodlīċ}}
* Polish: {{t+|pl|główny}}
* Portuguese: {{t+|pt|principal}}
* Romanian: {{t+|ro|principal}}
* Russian: {{t+|ru|гла́вный}}, {{t+|ru|основно́й}}
* Serbo-Croatian:
*: Cyrillic: {{t|sh|гла̀внӣ}}
*: Roman: {{t+|sh|glàvnī}}
* Slovak: {{t+|sk|hlavný}}
* Slovene: {{t|sl|gláven}}
* Spanish: {{t+|es|principal}}, {{t|es|troncal}}
* Swedish: {{t+|sv|huvudsaklig}}, {{t+|sv|generell}}, {{t+|sv|allmän}}, compounds with {{t+|sv|huvud}}
* Tagalog: {{t|tl|pangunahin}}
* Telugu: {{t+|te|ముఖ్యమైన}}, {{t+|te|ప్రధానమైన}}
* Thai: {{t+|th|หลัก}}
* Tibetan: {{t|bo|ལྟེ་བ}}
* Tigrinya: {{t|ti|መበገሲ}}
* Turkish: {{t+|tr|ana}}
* Tày: {{t|tyz|cải}}
* Ukrainian: {{t+|uk|головни́й}}, {{t|uk|основни́й}}
* Vietnamese: {{t+|vi|chính}}, {{t+|vi|chủ yếu}}
* Volapük: {{t|vo|cifik}}
{{trans-bottom}}

====Adverb====
{{en-adv}}

# {{lb|en|Britain|dialectal}} [[exceedingly|Exceedingly]], [[extremely]], [[greatly]], [[mightily]], [[very]], [[very much]].
#* {{quote-book|en|author=w:Samuel Foote|chapter=The Knights|title=The Knights. A Comedy, in Two Acts.{{nb...|As It is Performed at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane.}}|location=Dublin|publisher=Printed by Richard James,{{nb...|at Newton's Head in Dame-stret}}|year=1754|section=act II|page=35|pageurl=https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=1xZgAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA51|oclc=7748527|passage=''Suck''[''y'']. A Draught of Ale, Friend, for I'm '''main''' dry. / ''Pen''[''elope'']. Fie! fie! Niece! Is that Liquor for a young Lady? Don't disparage your Family and Breeding!}}
#* {{quote-book|en|author=w:Richard Brinsley Sheridan|chapter=[[w:The Camp (play)|The Camp: A Musical Entertainment]]|title=The Dramatic Works of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. With a Memoir of the Author|series=Dove’s English Classics|location=London|publisher=Printed and published by J. F. Dove,{{nb...|St. John's Square}}|year=1778|year_published=c. 1813–1828|section=act I, scene ii|page=309|pageurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=anNbAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA309|oclc=40729653|passage=Why, it's '''main''' jolly to be sure, and all that so fair.}}
#* {{RQ:Stevenson Treasure Island|text=It was '''main''' hot, and the [[window|windy]] was open, and I hear that old song comin’ out as clear as clear {{...}} }}

====Verb====
{{en-verb}}

# {{lb|en|transitive|slang}} {{short for|en|mainline||to [[inject]] (a [[drug#Noun|drug]]) directly into a [[vein]]}}
# {{lb|en|transitive|gaming}} To [[mainly]] [[play#Verb|play]] a specific [[character]] or [[side#Noun|side]], or with specific [[equipment]], during a [[game#Noun|game]].
#: {{ux|en|He '''mains''' the same character as me in that game.}}
#: {{ux|en|What race do you '''main''' and what is your favourite race to beat?}}
#: {{ux|en|For new players, I recommend '''maining''' the dagger and using the axe as a backup weapon.}}
#* {{quote-web|en|author=Dave Smith|title=After Weeks of Bugging Him on Twitter, {{w|Elon Musk}} just Told Me His ‘Dark Secret’|url=https://www.businessinsider.sg/elon-musk-reveals-he-mains-soldier-76-in-overwatch-2017-1/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330084424/https://www.businessinsider.sg/elon-musk-reveals-he-mains-soldier-76-in-overwatch-2017-1/|archivedate=30 March 2017|work=w:Business Insider|date=25 January 2017|passage=Now, full disclosure: I too '''main''' Soldier 76 in "[[w:Overwatch (video game)|Overwatch]]" (by the way, the term "'''maining'''" is parlance for the most-often used character you play in a given game).}}
# {{lb|en|obsolete}} To [[convert#Verb|convert]] (a road) into a main or [[primary]] road.
#* {{quote-book|en|editors=Arthur Underhill; w:Charles Otto Blagden; et al.|title=An Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents Other than Court Forms|location=London|publisher=[[w:LexisNexis|Butterworth]]|year=1904|volume=6|oclc=894505420|passage=When a rural district council considers that a highway in its district ought to become a main road by reason of  its being a medium of communication between great towns, or a thoroughfare to a railway station, or otherwise, it may apply to the county council for an order "'''maining'''" the road under s. 15 of the Highways and Locomotives (Amendment) Act, 1878 (41 & 42 Vict. c. 77), as amended by s. 3 (viii.) of the Local Government Act, 1888 (51 & 52 Vict. c. 41), and the county council may make an order accordingly.}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|journal=The Municipal Journal and Public Works Engineer|location=London|publisher=Municipal Journal|year=1927|volume=XXXVI|oclc=9860608|passage=The borough did not have an opportunity of conferring with the County Council, but the County Council requested particulars of district roads in the borough which the Council suggested should be '''mained'''.}}

===Etymology 2===
From {{inh|en|enm|mayn}}, {{m|enm|main}}, {{m|enm|maine}}, {{m|enm|mæine}}, {{m|enm|mæȝen}}, from {{inh|en|ang|mæġen||strength}},<ref>{{R:MED Online|entry=main|pos=n|id=MED26522|accessdate=3 June 2018}}</ref> from {{inh|en|gem-pro|*maginą||strength, power, might}}, {{m|gem-pro|*maginaz||strong}}, from {{der|en|ine-pro|*megʰ-||be able}}.

The word is cognate with {{cog|goh|magen}}, {{m|goh|megin}}, {{cog|non|magn}}, {{m|non|megn}}, {{m|non|megin}}, {{cog|osx|megin}}.<ref>{{R:OED2|entry=main, ''sb.''{{sup|1}}|page=216|columns=1–2}}</ref> More recent senses are derived from the adjective.

====Noun====
{{en-noun}}

# {{lb|en|not in generic modern use}} That which is [[chief#Adjective|chief]] or [[principal#Adjective|principal]]; the chief or main [[portion]]; the [[bulk#Noun|bulk]], the [[greater]] [[part#Noun|part]], [[gross#Noun|gross]].
#* {{quote-book|en|author=w:Humphrey Prideaux|title=The Old and New Testaments Connected in the History of the Jews and Neighbouring Nations, from the Declension of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah to the Time of Christ|edition=3rd|location=London|publisher=Printed for R. Knaplock{{nb...|at the Bishop's Head in St. Paul's Church-Yard,}} and [[w:Jacob Tonson|J[acob] Tonson]]{{nb...|at Shakespear's Head over-against Katharine-Street in the Strand}}|year=1718|volume=II, part I|section=part II, book II|page=96|pageurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=rU6mWbx_FogC&pg=PA96|oclc=695990865|passage=''[[w:Antiochus III the Great|Antiochus]]'' {{...}} thought it a proper time for him to attempt the recovery of ''Syria''; and ''[[w:Hermeias|Hermias]]'' his prime Miniſter preſſed hard for his going in perſon to this war, contrary to the Opinion of ''Epigenes'' his General; who thought it chiefly concerned him to ſuppreſs the Rebellion of ''[[w:Alexander (satrap)|Alexander]]'' and ''{{w|Molon}}'' in the East; and therefore adviſed him to march immediately in perſon with the '''main''' of his Army for the ſubduing of thoſe Rebels, before they ſhould gather greater ſtrength in the revolted Provinces againſt him.}}
#* {{quote-book|en|author=w:Francis Bacon|chapter=The History of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh|title=The Works of Francis Bacon, Baron of Verulam, Viscount St. Alban, and Lord High Chancellor of England. In Ten Volumes|volume=V|location=London|publisher=Printed for J. Johnson [''et al.''];{{nb...|by C. and R. Baldwin, New Bridge-street}}|year=1803|page=8|pageurl=https://archive.org/stream/b29321712_0005#page/8/mode/1up|oclc=5861323|passage=But the King &#91;{{w|Henry VII of England}}&#93;, {{...}} preferring his affection to his own line and blood, {{...}} resolved to rest upon the title of Lancaster as the '''main''', and to use the other two, that of marriage, and that of battle, but as supporters, the one to appease secret discontents, and the other to beat down open murmur and dispute; {{...}}}}
## {{lb|en|video gaming}} The [[primary]] [[character]] that one [[play#Verb|plays]] in a [[video game]] in which one can play more than one character.
##: {{antonyms|en|alt}}
##: {{ux|en|My ''[[w:WoW|WoW]]'' '''main''' has reached level cap and I’m on my way getting my first alt there as well.}}
## {{lb|en|Internet slang}} A main [[account]].
##: {{antonyms|en|alt}}
##: {{ux|en|His '''main''' got banned after his last post.}}
# A large [[cable#Noun|cable]] or [[pipe#Noun|pipe]] providing [[utility]] [[service#Noun|service]] to an [[area]] or a [[building#Noun|building]], such as a [[water main]] or [[electric main]]. {{defdate|from 17th c.}}
#: {{ux|en|There's a gas leak in the '''main''' outside the building.}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|title=Appendix. Report from the Committee on the State of the Pavements, &c. in the Streets of Dublin|journal=The Journals of the House of Commons, of the Kingdom of Ireland,{{nb...|from the Ninth Day of October, 1781, inclusive, to the Twenty-seventh Day of July, 1782, inclusive; being the Fourth Session of the Third Parliament of Ireland, in the Reign of His Present Majesty. Published by Order of the Honorable House of Commons.}}|location=Dublin|publisher=Printed by Abraham Bradley and Abraham Bradley King,{{nb...|stationers to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, and printers to the Honorable House of Commons of Ireland}}|date=3 April 1778|year_published=1782|volume=XX|page=539|pageurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=o9BOAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA539|oclc=264474860|passage=[T]he Contract with the Pipe-water Pavior was, as he recollects, to keep the Pavement in Repair for ſix Weeks; did oblige the Contractor to repair many Places in that ſix Weeks; there was a Part of the new '''Main''' failed in ''Dame-ſtreet''; was obliged to take up three or four Pieces in Length, in conſequence of a Sewer being made there, which undermined the '''Main''', and put it out of its Place; {{...}}}}
#* {{quote-book|en|author=Guildford Barker Richardson (interviewee)|chapter=Mr. Guildford Barker Richardson, Called in; and further Examined|title=Report from the Select Committee on the Metropolis Gas (Surrey Side) Bill; together with the Proceedings of the Committee, and Minutes of Evidence|series=Reports from Committees: Seven Volumes|seriesvolume=4|location=[London]|publisher=Ordered, by the [[w:House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], to be printed|date=19 June 1876|year_published=28 July 1876|volume=XI|section=paragraph 4780|page=335|pageurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=YyxcAAAAQAAJ&pg=RA1-PA335|oclc=941806973|passage=[T]he Board would have put down, and indeed have ordered, hydrants where the water companies have put down new '''mains''', or at all events are quite prepared upon those new '''mains''' to fix hydrants.}}
# {{lb|en|informal}} {{short for|en|main course||the principal [[dish#Noun|dish]] of a [[meal]]}}
#: {{ux|en|I had scampi and chips for my '''main''' and a slice of cheesecake for dessert.}}
# {{lb|en|now|poetic}} The [[high seas]]. {{defdate|from 16th c.}}
#* {{RQ:Spenser Faerie Queene|book=II|canto=VI|stanza=17|page=261|passage=Who ſhall him [[rue|rew]], that ſwimming in the '''maine''', / Will die for [[thrist|thriſt]], and water doth refuſe? / Refuſe ſuch fruitleſſe toile, and preſent pleaſures chuſe.}}
#* {{RQ:Dryden Virgil|chapter=The Fifth Book of the [[w:Aeneid|Æneis]]|page=360|lines=1115–1119|passage=The God, inſulting with ſuperiour Strength, / Fell heavy on him, plung'd him in the Sea, / And, with the Stern, the Rudder tore away, / Headlong he fell, and, ſtrugling in the '''Main''', / Cry'd out for helping hands, but cry'd in vain: {{...}}}}
#* {{quote-book|en|author=[[w:Thomas Broughton (writer)|Thomas Broughton]] (libretto); {{w|George Frideric Handel}} (music)|chapter=[[w:Hercules (Handel)|Hercules: An Oratorio]]|title=The Miscellaneous Pieces, as Set to Music, of Geo. Fred. Handel.{{nb...|[...] With the Life of Handel, and a General Index}}|location=London|publisher=Printed for T. Heptinstall,{{nb...|No. 304, Holborn; and sold by H. D. Symonds [et al.]}}|year=c. 1744|year_published=1799|volume_plain=part II|section=part the second [Act II, scene iv]|page=53|pageurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=xvZdAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA53|oclc=642364001|passage=Wanton god of am'rous fires, / Wishes, sighs and soft desires, / All nature's sons thy laws maintain; / O'er liquid air, firm land, and swelling '''main''', / Extend thy uncontroul'd and boundless reign.}}
#* {{quote-song|en|year=1796|title=w:It Was A' For Our Rightful King |lyricist= [[:w:Robert Burns|Robert Burns]]|text= My love, and native land, fareweel! / For I maun cross the '''main'''...}}
#* {{quote-book|en|author=w:Rudyard Kipling|chapter=w:The Sons of Martha|title=Rudyard Kipling’s Verse: Inclusive Edition 1885–1918|location=London|publisher=[[w:Hodder & Stoughton|Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.]]|year=1907|year_published=1927|pages=436–437|pageurl=https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.34375/2015.34375.Rudyard-Kiplings-Verse1885-1918#page/n455/mode/1up|oclc=5198131|passage=The Sons of Mary seldom bother, for they have inherited that good part; / But the Sons of Martha favour their Mother of the careful soul and the troubled heart, / {{...}} / It is their care that the wheels run truly; it is their care to embark and entrain, / Tally, transport, and deliver duly the Sons of Mary by land and '''main'''.}}
#* {{quote-text|en|year=1975|author=Keith Reid of [[w:Procul Harum|Procul Harum]]|title=''Pandora's Box'' (lyrics)
|passage=And like some pirate sailor / We crossed the Spanish '''Main'''}}
# {{lb|en|now|archaic|US|_|dialectal}} The [[mainland]]. {{defdate|from 16th c.}}
#* {{quote-book|en|author=w:Francis Bacon|chapter=Considerations Touching a War with Spain. Inscribed to Prince ''Charles'', An. 1624.|title=The Works of Francis Bacon, Baron of Verulam, Viscount St. Alban, and Lord High Chancellor of England|location=London|publisher=Printed for J[ohn] Walthoe,{{nb...|D. Midwinter, W[illiam] Innys, A[aron] Ward, D[aniel] Browne, C[harles] Davis, J[acob] and R[ichard] Tonson, and A[ndrew] Millar}}|year=1624|year_published=1740|volume=III|page=526|pageurl=https://archive.org/stream/worksoffrancisba03baco#page/526/mode/1up|oclc=960099509|passage=In the year that followed of 1589, we gave the ''Spaniards'' no breath, but turned challengers, invaded the '''main''' of ''Spain''. In which enterprize, although we failed of our end, which was to ſettle ''[[w:António, Prior of Crato|Don Antonio]]'' in the kingdom of ''Portugal'', yet a man ſhall hardly meet with an action that doth better reveal the great ſecret of the power of ''Spain'': {{...}}}}
#* {{RQ:Donne Devotions|chapter=17. Meditation|page=98|lines=2–3|passage=No man is an ''Iland'', intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the ''Continent'', a part of the '''''maine'''''; {{...}}}}
#* {{RQ:Smith Generall Historie|authors=Anthony Bagnall; Nathanaell Powell; Anas Todkill|chapter=Chapter V. The Accidents that Hapned in the Discovery of the Bay of Chisapeack|book=3|page=56|passage=The higheſt land on the '''mayne''', yet it was but low, we called ''Keales'' hill, and theſe vninhabited Iſles, ''Ruſſels Iſles''.}}
#* {{RQ:Melville Moby-Dick|chapter=Knights and Squires|page=131|passage=Tashtego's long, lean, sable hair, his high cheek bones, and black rounding eyes— {{...}} all this sufficiently proclaimed him an inheritor of the unvitiated blood of those proud warrior hunters, who, in quest of the great New England moose, had scoured, bow in hand, the aboriginal forests of the '''main'''.}}
# {{lb|en|nautical}} {{short for|en|mainsail}} {{defdate|from 17th c.}}
# {{lb|en|obsolete|except in [[might and main]]}} [[force#Noun|Force]], [[power#Noun|power]], [[strength]], [[violent]] [[effort]]. {{defdate|from 9th c.}}
#* {{RQ:Spenser Faerie Queene|book=II|canto=IX|stanza=14|page=311|passage=For with ſuch puiſſance and impetuous '''maine''' / Thoſe Champions broke on them, that forſt the fly, / Like ſcattered Sheepe, whenas the Shepherds ſwaine / A Lyon and a Tigre doth eſpye, / With greedy pace forth ruſhing from the foreſt nye.}}

=====Derived terms=====
{{der4|en|title=Terms derived from ''main'' (noun)|amain|gas main|fire main|for the main|in the main|[[main brace]], [[mainbrace]]|main drag|maincrop|mainer|mainframe|mainful|mainland|[[mainline]], [[main line]]|main man|mainmast|mainplane|mains|mainsail|mainsheet|mainspring|[[main street]], [[Main Street]], [[mainstreet]]|maintop|maintopmast|main-truck|mainyard|midmain|might and main|rising main|Spanish Main|water main}}

=====Translations=====
{{trans-top|that which is chief or principal}}
* Bulgarian: {{t|bg|основна част|f}}
* Danish: {{t|da|[[hoved]]-}}
* Dutch: {{t|nl|hoofd-}}
{{trans-bottom}}

{{trans-top|large pipe or cable}}
* Bulgarian: {{t|bg|главна тръба|f}}
* Danish: {{t|da|hovedledning|c}}
* Finnish: {{t|fi|pääjohto}}, {{t|fi|runkojohto}}
* German: {{t|de|Hauptleitung|f}}
* Khmer: {{t|km|បំពង់ធំ|tr=bɑmpʊəng tʰom|sc=Khmr}}
* Manx: {{t|gv|ard-phiob|f}}
{{trans-bottom}}

{{trans-see|high seas}}

{{trans-see|mainland}}

{{trans-top|''short for'' mainsail}}<!-- Only short forms here, where they exist -->
* Finnish: {{t+|fi|iso}}
* Swedish: {{t+|sv|store|c}} {{qualifier|usually in the definite form}}
{{trans-bottom}}

===Etymology 3===
{{uncertain|en}}; probably from the adjective ''[[#Adjective|main]]''. Evidence is lacking for a derivation from {{m+|fr|main||hand}}.<ref>{{R:OED2|entry=main, ''sb.''{{sup|3}}|page=217|column=1}}</ref>

====Noun====
{{en-noun}}

# {{lb|en|obsolete|gaming}} A [[hand#Noun|hand]] or [[match#Noun|match]] in a [[game#Noun|game]] of [[dice]].
#* {{quote-book|en|author=Mr. Prior &#91;{{w|Matthew Prior}}?&#93;|chapter=Epistle to [[w:Fleetwood Sheppard|Fleetwood Shephard]], Esq.|mainauthor=“Mr. Gentleman” [pseudonym]|title=The New Pleasing Instructor: Or, Entertaining Moralist.{{nb...|Consisting of Select Histories, Chiefly Drawn from Real Life. With a Variety of Essays, Relations, Visions, and Allegories, Collected from the Most Eminent English Authors. The Whole Comprehending the Most Striking Pictures of Virtue and Vice. Alphabetically Digested. To which is Prefixed, an Essay on Reading and Declamation}}|location=York, Yorkshire|publisher=Printed by C. Etherington, for [[w:John Bell (publisher)|John Bell]], {{...|near Exeter Exchange, in the Strand, London;}} and C. Etherington,{{nb...|in York}}|date=14 May 1689|year_published=1772|page=370|pageurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=SphYAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA370|oclc=79576873|passage=That writing is but juſt like dice, / And lucky '''mains''' make people wiſe: / That jumbled words, if fortune throw 'em, / Shall, well as [[w:John Dryden|Dryden]], form a poem; {{...}}}}
#* '''1876''', Charles Dickens, ''All the Year Round'' <!--volume 16? 36? page 156-->
#*: That no minute might be wasted, the gay gallants of the time generally had a dice-box and a cast of dice in their pockets. This was convenient in the extreme, as, in the intervals of racing, a '''main''' could be thrown {{...}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=1894|author=w:Stanley J. Weyman|chapter=VIII|title=Under the Red Robe|passage=Well-for the rest, will you throw a '''main'''?}}
# {{lb|en|obsolete|gaming}} The [[largest]] [[throw#Noun|throw]] in a match at dice; in the game of [[hazard#Noun|hazard]], a [[number#Noun|number]] from [[one]] to [[nine]] [[call out#Verb|called out]] by a person before the dice are thrown.
#* {{quote-book|en|author=Richard Barckley|chapter=To the Reader|title=A Discourse of the Felicitie of Man: Or His Summum Bonum|location=London|publisher=Printed [by [[w:Richard Field (printer)|Richard Field]]] for [[w:William Ponsonby (publisher)|VVilliam Ponsonby]]|year=1598|oclc=222534024|newversion=republished as|chapter2=To the Reader|chapterurl2=https://books.google.com/books?id=E8NjAAAAcAAJ&pg=PR15|title2=A Discovrse of the Felicite of Man. Or His Summum Bonum|edition2=newly corrected and augmented|location2=London|publisher2=Printed [by [[w:James Roberts (printer)|James Roberts]]] for VVilliam Ponsonby|year2=1603|oclc2=606480974|passage=Euery man hath not beene brought vp in the knowledge of toungs. And it chanceth often to the reader, as it doth to diceplayers, that gaine more by the bye then by the '''maine'''.}}
#* {{RQ:Thackeray Pendennis||passage=I had such a run of luck last night, with five for the '''main''', and seven to five all night, until those ruffians wanted to pay me with Altamont’s bill upon me. The luck turned from that minute. Never held the box again for three '''mains''', and came away cleared out, leaving that infernal cheque behind me.|44}}
# {{lb|en|obsolete|gaming}} A [[stake#Noun|stake]] played for at dice.
#* {{RQ:Shakespeare Henry 4-1 Q1|act=IV|scene=i|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rbw2AQAAMAAJ&pg=PT62|passage=[W]ere it good / To ſet the exact wealth of al our ſtates / Al at one caſt? to ſet ſo rich a '''maine''' / On the nice hazard of one doubtfull houre?|translation=Is it good / To bet all of our wealth / On one throw of the dice? To place so high a '''stake''' / On the risky hazard of one doubtful hour?}}
# {{lb|en|obsolete|gaming|sports}} A [[sporting#Adjective|sporting]] [[contest#Noun|contest]] or match, especially a [[cockfighting]] match.
#* {{RQ:Thackeray Henry Esmond|volume=I|chapter=After Good Fortune Comes Evil|page=171|passage=My lord was hunting all day when the ſeaſon admitted; he frequented all the cockfights and fairs in the country, and would ride twenty miles to ſee a '''main''' fought, or two clowns break their heads at a cudgelling match; {{...}}}}
# A [[banker]]'s [[shovel]] for [[coin]]s.

===Etymology 4===
{{uncertain|en}}, possibly from {{der|en|fr|main||hand}}.

====Noun====
{{en-noun}}

# {{lb|en|obsolete|rare}} A [[basket]] for [[gather]]ing [[grape]]s.
#* {{quote-book|en|author=[[w:Robert Ainsworth (lexicographer)|Robert Ainsworth]]; w:Samuel Patrick|chapter=A main|chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=fv9YAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA123|title=Thesaurus Linguæ Latinæ Compendiarius: Or, A Compendious Dictionary of the Latin Tongue:{{nb...|Designed for the Use of the British Nations: In Three Parts. [...]}}|edition=3rd|location=London|publisher=Printed by C. and J. Ackers, for W[illiam] Mount and T[homas] Page [''et al.'']|year=1751|column=1|oclc=644251218|passage=''A '''main''''' [hamper] Corbis vindemiatorius|brackets=on}}

===References===
<references />

===Further reading===
* {{pedia|main|main (disambiguation)}}
{{R:Britannica 1911|Main (power)}}

===See also===
{{col2|en|title=Other terms containing "main", from French "main" (hand).|main de fer|main droite|main gauche|main-gauche|ouster le main}}

===Anagrams===
* {{anagrams|en|a=aimn|Iman|amin|NIMA|NAMI|iman|mani|mnai|Mina|mina|Naim|Mani|Mian|Amin}}

{{c|en|Foods}}

==Chinese==

===Etymology===
{{yue-etym-clip-en|'''main'''tain}}

===Pronunciation===
* {{IPA|yue|/mei̯n⁵⁵/}}
{{zh-pron
|cat=c:v
|only_cat=yes
}}

===Verb===
{{head|zh|verb}}

# {{lb|zh|HKC}} to [[maintain]]

==Cimbrian==

===Alternative forms===
* {{alter|cim|moi||Luserna}}

===Etymology===
From {{inh|cim|gmh|mīn}}, form {{inh|cim|goh|mīn}}, from {{inh|cim|gmw-pro|*mīn}}, from {{inh|cim|gem-pro|*mīnaz||my, mine}}. Cognate with {{cog|de|mein}}, {{cog|en|mine}}.

===Determiner===
{{head|cim|determiner|cat2=possessive determiners|plural|main|bon/dar|maindarn}} {{tlb|cim|7}}

# {{q|attributive}} [[my]]
#: {{uxi|cim|De '''main''' muutar ist noch jung.|'''My''' mother is still young.}}
#: {{uxi|cim|An zun bon '''maindarn''' ghéet noch suul.|'''My''' son still goes to school.|lit=A son of '''mine''' still goes to school.}}
#: {{uxi|cim|'''Maina''' muutar!|'''My''' mother!}}
# {{lb|cim|predicative}} [[mine]]
#: {{uxi|cim|De khua ist '''main'''.|The cow is '''mine'''.}}

====Usage notes====
{{cim-pos-det-notes}}

====Inflection====
{{cim-infl-pos-det|maindar|maina|maines|maine}}

====See also====
{{cim-pos-det}}

===References===
* {{R:Martalar1974}}

==Dalmatian==

===Etymology===
From {{inh|dlm|la|mēne}}, from {{m|la|mē}}. Compare {{cog|ro|mine}}.

===Pronoun===
{{head|dlm|pronoun}}

# {{qualifier|first-person singular pronoun|oblique case}} [[me]]

====Related terms====
* {{l|dlm|me}}
* {{l|dlm|ju}}

==Finnish==

===Pronunciation===
{{fi-p}}

===Noun===
{{head|fi|noun form}}

# {{infl of|fi|maa||ist|p}}

===Postposition===
{{fi-postp}} {{+obj|fi|ade}}

# in ... [[region]], in the [[vicinity]] of, [[around]] ...
#: {{coi|fi|näillä '''main'''|'''in''' this '''region''', '''around''' here}}
#: {{coi|fi|noilla '''main'''|'''in''' that '''region''', '''around''' there|q=see usage notes of {{m|fi|tuo}}}}
#: {{coi|fi|niillä '''main'''|'''in''' that '''region''', '''around''' there|q=see usage notes of {{m|fi|tuo}}}}

====Usage notes====
In modern Finnish, the postposition is always preceded by a demonstrative pronoun in the plural: either {{m|fi|[[nämä|näillä]] main}}, {{m|fi|[[nuo|noilla]] main}} or {{m|fi|[[ne|niillä]] main}} (as above).

===Further reading===
* {{R:fi:KTSK|accessdate=2023-12-01}}

===Anagrams===
* {{anagrams|fi|a=aimn|mani|mina|nami}}

==French==
{{picdic
|image=Paume de main.jpeg
|width=310
|labels=
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=18|posx=100|posy=179|link=paume}}
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=12|posx=20|posy=200|link=poignet|align=left}}
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=12|posx=90|posy=70|link=pouce}}
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=12|posx=200|posy=125|link=index}}
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=12|posx=225|posy=160|link=majeur}}
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=12|posx=220|posy=205|link=annulaire}}
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=12|posx=200|posy=245|link=auriculaire}}
{{picdiclabel|fr|color=white|fontsize=12|posx=200|posy=260|link=petit doigt|altlink=(petit doigt)}}
|detail1=Click on labels in the image
|detail2=
{{picdicimg|fr|image=Arm flex supinate.jpg|link=bras}}
}}

===Etymology===
{{inh+|fr|frm|main}}, {{inh|fr|fro|main}}, {{m|fro|mein}}, {{m|fro|man}}, from {{inh|fr|la|manus||hand}}, from {{inh|fr|itc-pro|*manus}}, perhaps from {{der|fr|ine-pro|*méh₂r̥|*méh₂-r̥ ~ *mh₂-én-}}, derived from {{der|fr|ine-pro|*(s)meh₂-||to beckon}}, or perhaps from a {{der|fr|ine-pro||*mon-u-}} (see the Proto-Italic entry). Compare {{cog|es|mano}}.

===Pronunciation===
* {{fr-IPA}}
* {{audio|fr|Fr-main.ogg|text=la main}}
* {{homophones|fr|mains|maint|maints}}
* {{hyphenation|fr|main}}

===Noun===
{{fr-noun|f}}

# [[hand]]
# {{lb|fr|soccer}} [[handball]]
# {{lb|fr|poker}} hand
# {{C|fr|Units of measure|Paper}} [[quire]]

====Synonyms====
* {{l|fr|louche}}
* {{l|fr|mimine}}
* {{l|fr|paluche}}
* {{l|fr|pince}}

====Meronyms====
* {{l|fr|doigt}}
* {{l|fr|dos}}
* {{l|fr|paume}}
* {{l|fr|poignet}}
* {{l|fr|pouce}}

====Holonyms====
* {{l|fr|bras}}

====Derived terms====
{{col3|fr
|à la main
|à main armée
|à mains nues
|avoir deux mains gauches
|avoir du sang sur les mains
|avoir la main lourde
|avoir le cœur sur la main
|avoir les mains liées
|avoir un poil dans la main
|baisemain
|changer de mains
|cheval de main
|comme les doigts de la main
|compter sur les doigts d'une main
|compter sur les doigts de la main
|coup de main
|de longue main
|de main de maître
|de seconde main
|en bonnes mains
|en main propre
|en mains propres
|en venir aux mains
|entre de bonnes mains
|faire des pieds et des mains
|faire main basse
|forcer la main
|frein à main
|haut la main
|haut les mains
|homme de main
|jeu de main, jeu de vilain
|la main sur le cœur
|léger de main
|les mains dans les poches
|les mains vides
|main courante
|main invisible
|main dans la main
|main verte
|mainlevée
|mainmettre
|mainmortable
|mainmorte
|mainmuable
|mettre la main
|mettre la main à la pâte
|mettre la main sur
|mettre les mains dans le cambouis
|mettre sa main au feu
|mettre sa main à couper
|montre en main
|parle à ma main
|passer la main
|passer par les mains
|perdre la main
|petite main
|poignée de main
|prendre en main
|prendre la main dans le sac
|prendre son courage à deux mains
|prendre ses couilles en main
|reprendre en main
|sac à main
|se faire la main
|se frotter les mains
|se laver les mains
|se salir les mains
|serrer la main
|sous la main
|tournemain
|vol à main armée
|vote à main levée
}}

====Related terms====
* {{l|fr|manche}}
* {{l|fr|manicle}}
* {{l|fr|manier}}
* {{l|fr|manipuler}}
* {{l|fr|manivelle}}
* {{l|fr|manuel}}

====Descendants====
* {{desc|en|main|bor=1|unc=1}}
* {{desc|de|Lamäng|bor=1|der=1}}
* {{desc|ht|men}}
* {{desc|lou|men}}
* {{desc|mfe|lame|der=1}}

===Further reading===
* {{R:fr:TLFi}}

===Anagrams===
* {{l|fr|mina}}

{{C|fr|Anatomy}}

==Indonesian==

===Etymology===
From {{inh|id|ms|main}}, from {{inh|id|poz-mly-pro|*maim}}, a reduction from Pre-Proto-Malayic ''*q-um-ayam'', from {{inh|id|poz-pro|*qayam||domesticated animal, toy}}.<ref>Adelaar, K.A. "The history of thing, animal, person and related concepts in Malay". In Pawley, A.K. and Ross, M.D. editors, ''Austronesian Terminologies: Continuity and Change''. C-127:1-20. Pacific Linguistics, The Australian National University, 1994.</ref> In the sense of dummy word, influenced by {{der|id|mkn|maen}}. Doublet of {{m|id|ayam||chicken}}.

===Pronunciation===
* {{IPA|id|/main/}}
* {{hyphenation|id|main|}}

===Verb===
{{id-verb}} (''[[bermain]]'')

# to [[play]]
# {{lb|id|colloquial}} ''dummy word before verbs''
#: {{ux|id|'''main''' ngancam|(play) to threaten}}

====Derived terms====
{{der2|id|
| pemain
| mainan
| main-main
| permain
| permainan
| permainankan
| mainkan
| maini
| memain
| memainkan
| dimain
| dimainkan
| termain
| bermain
}}

===References===
<references/>

===Further reading===
* {{R:KBBI Daring}}

==Javanese==

===Verb===
{{head|jv|verb}}

# to [[gamble]]

==Kaiep==

===Noun===
{{head|kbw|noun}}

# [[woman]]

===Further reading===
* {{R:poz-oce:Ross 1988}}
* Stephen Adolphe Wurm, ''New Guinea Area Languages and Language Study'' (1976)

==Malay==

===Etymology===
A phonemical reduction from Pre-Proto-Malayic ''*q-um-ayam'', from {{inh|ms|poz-pro|*qayam}}.<ref>Adelaar, K.A. "The history of thing, animal, person and related concepts in Malay". In Pawley, A.K. and Ross, M.D. editors, ''Austronesian Terminologies: Continuity and Change''. C-127:1-20. Pacific Linguistics, The Australian National University, 1994.</ref> The ''Buku Katan'' alternatively proposes it as a product of suffixing {{af|ms|maya|-an}}.<ref>{{cite-book|year=1936|edition=romanized, 2002|title=Buku Katan|publisher=Pakatan Bahasa Melayu Persuratan Buku Diraja Johor (original), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Malaysia|page=626|isbn=9789836252272|last=Mohd. Said bin Haji Sulaiman}}</ref>

===Pronunciation===
* {{IPA|ms|/maen/|a=Johor-Selangor}}
* {{IPA|ms|/maɪn/|a=Riau-Lingga}}
* {{rhymes|ms|aen|en}}
* {{audio|ms|Ms-MY-main.ogg|a=Malaysia,Johor-Selangor}}
* {{rhymes|ms|in|s=2}}

===Verb===
{{head|ms|verb|Jawi spelling|ماءين|used in the form|bermain}}

# to [[play]]

====Derived terms====
{{ms-der|21:[[player]]|31|121|210|210+221|221|222|310|310+221|320|320+221|330|340}}

====Descendants====
* {{desc|id|main}}
* {{desc|tpi|main|bor=1}}

===References===
<references/>

===Further reading===
* {{R:PRPM}}

==Middle English==

===Noun===
{{head|enm|noun}}

# {{alt form|enm|mayn}}

===Adjective===
{{head|enm|adjective}}

# {{alt form|enm|mayn}}

==Middle French==

===Etymology===
From {{inh|frm|fro|main}}, {{m|fro|mein}}, {{m|fro|man}}, from {{inh|frm|la|manus}}.

===Noun===
{{frm-noun|f}}

# {{lb|frm|anatomy}} [[hand]]

====Descendants====
* {{desctree|fr|main}}

==Norman==
{{wikipedia|lang=nrf}}

===Alternative forms===
* {{l|nrf|man}} {{qualifier|continental Normandy}}
* {{l|nrf|môin}} {{qualifier|Guernsey}}

===Etymology===
{{dercat|nrf|itc-pro|ine-pro|inh=2}}
From {{inh|nrf|fro|main}}, {{m|fro|mein}}, {{m|fro|man}}, from {{inh|nrf|la|manus||hand}}.

===Pronunciation===
* {{audio|nrf|Jer-Main.ogg|a=Jersey}}

===Noun===
{{nrf-noun|f}}

# {{lb|nrf|Jersey|anatomy}} [[hand]]

====Derived terms====
* {{l|nrf|brînge à main|g=f||brush}}
* {{l|nrf|marté à deux mains|g=m||sledgehammer}}

====Related terms====
* {{l|nrf|dé||finger}}

==Northern Sami==

===Pronoun===
{{head|se|pronoun form}}

# {{inflection of|se|mii||loc|p}}

==Old French==

===Alternative forms===
* {{alt|fro|mein|man}}

===Etymology===
From {{inh|fro|la|manus}}.

===Noun===
{{fro-noun|f}}

# {{lb|fro|anatomy}} [[hand]]

====Descendants====
* {{desc|roa-brg|moin}}
* {{desctree|frm|main}}
* {{desc|roa-gal|maen}}
* {{desc|nrf|main}}
* {{desc|wa|mwin}}

==Old Irish==

===Noun===
{{head|sga|noun form}}

# {{alt sp|sga|mainn}}

===Mutation===
{{sga-mutation|m|ain}}

==Tok Pisin==

===Etymology===
From {{bor|tpi|ms|main}}.

===Verb===
{{head|tpi|verb}}

# to [[play]]
#: {{syn|tpi|pilai}}

==Welsh==

===Etymology===
Perhaps ultimately from the root of {{m|cy|mwyn|id=mild|t=mild, tender}}. Cognate with {{cog|br|moan}}, {{cog|kw|moon}}.

===Pronunciation===
* {{IPA|cy|/mai̯n/}}
* {{rhymes|cy|ai̯n}}
* {{hmp|cy|maen}} {{q|South Wales}}

===Adjective===
{{cy-adj|ach|pl=meinion|stem=mein}}

# [[slender]], [[thin]]
#: {{syn|cy|tenau}}
# [[fine]]
#: {{syn|cy|mân}}

====Derived terms====
* {{l|cy|addfain||slender}}
* {{l|cy|meinddail||narrow-leaved}}
* {{l|cy|meinhau}}, {{l|cy|meinio||to make thin}}
*  {{l|cy|penfain||tapered, pointed}}
* {{l|cy|rhwyddlwyn main||slender speedwell}}

===Mutation===
{{cy-mut}}