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

Other Word Forms

• fountained adjective
• fountainless adjective
• fountain-like adjective
• fountainlike adjective
• unfountained 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

I was seated overlooking the fountain, which was a delightful backdrop for dinner.

From Salon

There's plenty to ponder for Fantasy Premier League players before gameweek three, but don't fear - our Free Hit team is a fountain of inspiration.

From BBC

But increasingly, the peace — and safety of its landmark fountain — have come under threat from a far more modern culprit.

From Los Angeles Times

He had carried an ink pot with him in battle and written in the diary with his fountain pen.

From BBC

If I were inspired by a fountain or a landmark, I wouldn’t be looking at pictures of it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• geyser 
• reservoir 
• stream