noun
main verb
Linguistics term: the primary verb in a clause or verb phrase, as opposed to auxiliary or light verbs.
日本語の「食べている」では、「食べ」が本動詞で、「いる」は補助動詞です。
In Japanese 'tabeteiru', 'tabe' is the main verb and 'iru' is an auxiliary verb.
Compound of 本 (main) and 動詞 (verb). A straightforward technical term in Japanese linguistics.