Foun"tain (foun"tin), 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 (Zoöl.), 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.
© Webster 1913