mains
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the system of pipes or wires that brings electricity, water, or gas into a house.
the domestic electrical, water, or gas supply system, typically connected to a public network or grid.
Simple“The house is not connected to the water mains, so they use a well.”
In context“A burst water main caused significant flooding in the city centre, leaving thousands of residents without a reliable supply for several hours.”
UsageUsually used with 'the' and often functions as an uncountable noun or a plural noun depending on the specific utility.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
the largest or most important part of a meal.
the primary courses of a meal, served after starters and before desserts.
Simple“We ordered two mains and a side of vegetables to share.”
In context“The restaurant offers a diverse selection of mains, ranging from traditional roasted meats to innovative plant-based options.”
UsageCommonly used in restaurant contexts as a plural noun to refer to the menu section or multiple dishes.
Synonymsentreesmain coursesAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the electricity that comes from a wall socket rather than a battery.
the public electricity supply as distinguished from battery power.
Simple“You can run this radio off the mains or use four batteries.”
In context“The device features an internal rechargeable battery, though it performs more efficiently when connected directly to the mains.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'the mains' or 'mains power'.
Synonymspower supplywall powerAntonyms
Related to manse.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.