| founttain | 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 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. A portable garden pump which throws a jet, for watering plants, etc. <zoology> 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. Origin: F. Fontaine, LL. Fontana, fr. L. Fons, fontis. See Fount. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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