from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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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.
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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.
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4. The source from which anything proceeds, or from which
anything is supplied continuously; origin; source.
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Judea, the fountain of the gospel. --Fuller.
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Author of all being,
Fountain of light, thyself invisible. --Milton.
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{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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