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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Fountain heead

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.

    1. A structure for a fountain, having the form of a pump.

    2. 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.