source

[ sawrs, sohrs ]

noun

1. any thing or place from which something comes, arises, or is obtained; origin:

   Which foods are sources of calcium?

   Synonyms: originator, supplier

2. the beginning or place of origin of a stream or river.
3. a book, statement, person, etc., supplying information.

   Synonyms: reference, authority

4. the person or business making interest or dividend payments.
5. a manufacturer or supplier.
6. Archaic. a natural spring or fountain.

verb (used with object)

, sourced, sourcing.

1. to give or trace the source for:

   The research paper was not accurately sourced.

   The statement was sourced to the secretary of state.

2. to find or acquire a source, especially a supplier, for:

   Some of the components are now sourced in Hong Kong.

verb (used without object)

, sourced, sourcing.

1. to contract a manufacturer or supplier:

   Many large companies are now sourcing overseas.

2. to seek information about or consider possible options, available personnel, or the like:

   a job recruiter who was merely sourcing.

source

/ sɔːs /

noun

1. the point or place from which something originates
2. 1. a spring that forms the starting point of a stream; headspring
   2. the area where the headwaters of a river rise

      the source of the Nile

3. a person, group, etc, that creates, issues, or originates something

   the source of a complaint

4. 1. any person, book, organization, etc, from which information, evidence, etc, is obtained
   2. ( as modifier )

      source material

5. anything, such as a story or work of art, that provides a model or inspiration for a later work
6. electronics the electrode region in a field-effect transistor from which majority carriers flow into the interelectrode conductivity channel
7. at source
   at the point of origin

verb

1. to determine the source of a news report or story
2. trfoll byfrom to originate from
3. tr to establish an originator or source of (a product, piece of information, etc)

Other Words From

• sourceful adjective
• sourceful·ness noun
• sourceless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of source¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English sours (noun), from Old French sors (masculine), sourse, source (feminine), noun use of past participle of sourdre, from Latin surgere “to spring up or forth”; surge

Word History and Origins

Origin of source¹

C14: from Old French sors, from sourdre to spring forth, from Latin surgere to rise

Example Sentences

Fully 69% of U.S. adults found the presidential election a significant source of stress in their lives, the American Psychological Assn. said in its latest Stress in America report.

From Los Angeles Times

In their dedication to authenticity, Fehlbaum and his production team sourced period-accurate equipment from old television stations and collectors, much of it still working, to re-create the analog control-room setup as faithfully as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

"We know that small boat crossings are moving from their source country through many other countries," he said.

From BBC

One source said the talks at times were “fraught and tetchy”.

From BBC

Sporting Wholesale, which owns the Anglo Arms knife brand, is thought to have sourced its knives and machetes from China.

From BBC

Related Words

• authority
• cause
• expert
• origin