Fountain /(foun"tĭn)/

Foun·tain

Fountain

n.
  1. A spring of water issuing from the earth.
  2. An artificially produced jet or stream of water; also, the structure or works in which such a jet or stream rises or flows; a basin built and constantly supplied with pure water for drinking and other useful purposes, or for ornament.
  3. A reservoir or chamber to contain a liquid which can be conducted or drawn off as needed for use; as, the ink fountain in a printing press, etc.
  4. The source from which anything proceeds, or from which anything is supplied continuously; origin; source.
    Judea, the fountain of the gospel.
    Author of all being, Fountain of light, thyself invisible.

Phrases & Compounds

Air fountain
See under Air.
Fountain heead
primary source; original; first principle.
Fountain inkstand
an inkstand having a continual supply of ink, as from elevated reservoir.
Fountain lamp
a lamp fed with oil from an elevated reservoir.
Fountain pen
a pen with a reservoir in the handle which furnishes a supply of ink.
Fountain pump
A structure for a fountain, having the form of a pump.
Fountain shell
the large West Indian conch shell (Strombus gigas).
Fountain of youth
a mythical fountain whose waters were fabled to have the property of renewing youth.