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.
Phrases and idioms:
fountain-head an original source. fountain-pen a pen with a reservoir or cartridge holding ink.
Derivatives:
fountained adj. (also in comb.).
Etymology: ME f. OF fontaine f. LL fontana fem. of L fontanus (adj.) f. fons fontis a spring