2main noun
plural mains 1 [count] : the largest pipe in a system of connected pipes
▪ a gas main ▪ a water main 2 the mains Brit a : the system of pipes or wires for electricity, gas, or water
▪ My radio runs either off batteries or off the mains. — often used as mains before another noun ▪ We haven't had any mains water/electricity since the storm.
b : the place where electricity, gas, or water enters a building or room
▪ Turn off the water at the mains.
▪ a gas main ▪ a water main
▪ My radio runs either off batteries or off the mains. — often used as mains before another noun ▪ We haven't had any mains water/electricity since the storm.
b : the place where electricity, gas, or water enters a building or room
▪ Turn off the water at the mains.
in the main
: in general — used to say that a statement is true in most cases or at most times ▪ The workers are in the main very capable. [=most of the workers are very capable] ▪ The weather has in the main been quite good. [=has been quite good most of the time]
