fountain

[ foun-tn ]

noun

1. a spring or source of water; the source or head of a stream.
2. the source or origin of anything.

   Synonyms: wellspring, genesis, cradle, birthplace

3. a jet or stream of water (or other liquid) made by mechanical means to spout or rise from an opening or structure, as to afford water for use, to cool the air, or to serve for ornament.
4. a structure for discharging such a jet or a number of jets, often an elaborate or artistic work with basins, sculptures, etc.
5. drinking fountain.
6. soda fountain.
7. a reservoir for a liquid to be supplied gradually or continuously, as in a fountain pen.
8. Heraldry. a roundel barry-wavy, argent and azure.

fountain

/ ˈfaʊntɪn /

noun

1. a jet or spray of water or some other liquid
2. a structure from which such a jet or a number of such jets spurt, often incorporating figures, basins, etc
3. a natural spring of water, esp the source of a stream
4. a stream, jet, or cascade of sparks, lava, etc
5. a principal source or origin
6. a reservoir or supply chamber, as for oil in a lamp
7. short for drinking fountain soda fountain

Derived Forms

• ˈfountained, adjective
• ˈfountainless, adjective
• ˈfountain-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• fountained adjective
• fountain·less adjective
• fountain·like adjective
• un·fountained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fountain¹

1375–1425; late Middle English fontayne < Old French fontaine < Late Latin fontāna, noun use of feminine of Latin fontānus of a spring, equivalent to font- (stem of fons ) spring + -ānus -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of fountain¹

C15: from Old French fontaine , from Late Latin fontāna , from Latin fons spring, source

Example Sentences

In September, police spokesman Rusoke Kituuma warned that abusing the president, who he termed the "fountain of honour", was an offence.

From BBC

“I, and other trainers who work with this, call it ‘the fountain of youth.’

From Los Angeles Times

He has set up 29 drinking fountains on his land so fewer migrants will die of dehydration.

From Los Angeles Times

A preserved-moss wall absorbs ambient sound but for a gurgling fountain and soothing music.

From Los Angeles Times

Other sources of water that should be regularly emptied include pet dishes, fountains, bird bath, plant pots and saucers, according to Santa Clara County.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• geyser
• reservoir
• stream