n.1 an expedient or device (escape was their only resource).
2 (usu. in pl.) a the means available to achieve an end, fulfil a function, etc. b a stock or supply that can be drawn on. c US available assets.
3 (in pl.) a country's collective wealth or means of defence.
4 a leisure occupation (reading is a great resource).
5 a skill in devising expedients (a person of great resource). b practical ingenuity; quick wit (full of resource).
6 archaic the possibility of aid (lost without resource).
Phrases and idioms:
one's own resources one's own abilities, ingenuity, etc.
Derivatives:
resourceful adj. resourcefully adv. resourcefulness n. resourceless adj. resourcelessness n.
Etymology: F ressource, ressourse, fem. past part. of OF dial. resourdre (as RE-, L surgere rise)