n. 1 a a jet or jets of water made to spout for ornamental purposes or for drinking. b a structure provided for this. 2 a structure for the constant public supply of drinking-water. 3 a natural spring of water. 4 a source (in physical or abstract senses). 5 = soda-fountain. 6 a reservoir for oil, ink, etc. fountain-head an original source. fountain-pen a pen with a reservoir or cartridge holding ink. fountained adj. (also in comb.).
[ ME f. OF fontaine f. LL fontana fem. of L fontanus (adj.) f. fons fontis a spring ]