Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Fountain?

\Foun"tain\ (foun"t[i^]n), n. [F. fontaine, LL. fontana, fr. L. fons, fontis. See 2d {Fount}.] 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} (Zo["o]l.), 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.