molla

spring

noun MOHL-lah Rare

Origin: From Latin modula, related to modus (measure, way).

Also means

motive, drive

Usage Note

Molla as a noun means a mechanical spring (coiled metal). It also carries the figurative sense of a driving force or motive — la molla che lo spinge ('the spring/drive that pushes him'). The seed listed POS as verb with infinitive 'molla', but molla is a noun; mollare (to let go, to release) is the related verb. Plural: molle.

Examples

"La molla del divano si è rotta."

Natural Translation

The sofa spring broke.

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