Foun·tain 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. --Fuller.
Author of all being,
Fountain of light, thyself invisible. --Milton.
Air fountain. See under Air.
Fountain heead, primary source; original; first principle. --Young.
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) A structure for a fountain, having the form of a pump. (b) A portable garden pump which throws a jet, for watering plants, etc.
Fountain shell Zool., 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.
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