wellspring

[ wel-spring ]

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.

wellspring

/ ˈwɛlˌsprɪŋ /

noun

1. the source of a spring or stream; fountainhead
2. a source of continual or abundant supply

Word History and Origins

Origin of wellspring¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wellspring¹

Old English welspryng, wylspring; see well ², spring

Example Sentences

The dynamic interplay of task automation, innovation, and new work creation, while always disruptive, is a primary wellspring of rising productivity.

From MIT Technology Review

Skeptics might question the conceit that a lost memo is the wellspring for what Wallace Stegner would call “the best idea we ever had,” and indeed the thread is thin at first.

From Washington Post

That country, where these paintings were exhibited in 2018, also seems to be the wellspring of the artist’s imagery.

From Washington Post

As Brooks has written, “The wellspring of all questions is wonder and curiosity and a capacity for delight.”

From Washington Post

It’s another to be responsible for the entire meal yourself, with Wi-Fi as your only link to that wellspring of knowledge.

From Popular-Science

Nor should our recognition of Edward Snowden occasion our rejection of peace and joy as a wellspring of our lives.

From The Daily Beast

Mexico, Mexico City in particular, has been a wellspring for the global art world for a while.

From The Daily Beast

Jeffress was of course tapping into a wellspring of anti-Mormon prejudice in the culture.

From The Daily Beast

Holy men have a wellspring of pity in their hearts, to which ordinary men are total strangers.

From Project Gutenberg

She could dam up the wellspring of her impulses, walk steadfast along the accustomed ways.

From Project Gutenberg

The famous Minerva press was the first mighty wellspring whence gushed the broad and rapid torrent of cheap fiction.

From Project Gutenberg

The Sclav race is a rich poetic wellspring, but it depends upon what one means by poetry.

From Project Gutenberg

Like a Strong Silent Man he held in that wellspring of champagne and mercury until many many years later.

From Project Gutenberg