wellspring

American  

[wel-spring] / ˈwɛlˌsprɪŋ /

noun

1. the head or source of a spring, stream, river, etc.; fountainhead.

2. a source or supply of anything, especially when considered inexhaustible.

   a wellspring of affection.

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wellspring British  

/ ˈwɛlˌsprɪŋ /

noun

1. the source of a spring or stream; fountainhead

2. a source of continual or abundant supply

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Etymology

Origin of wellspring

First recorded before 900; Middle English welle spring, Old English wyllspring(e); well ², spring

Example Sentences

The everyday tools of the kitchen can be connected to powerful memories and wellsprings of feeling.

From The Wall Street Journal

Social media campaigns seek to burnish the image of President Vladimir V. Putin or to tap into wellsprings of anti-French resentment.

From New York Times

“I didn’t always know where the story was going, but I suddenly had a wellspring of information because it was my upbringing, my home.”

From New York Times

Several of those candidates have alleged that the wellspring of donations in support of the governor is evidence that he is beholden to unions and Sacramento’s special interests.

From Los Angeles Times

His website is a wellspring of tropical fruit knowledge; he offers information on using scientific names, fruit growing guides, and how-to videos for fruit preparation.

From Salon