— sourceful , adj. — sourcefulness , n. — sourceless , adj.
/sawrs, sohrs/ , n. , v. , sourced, sourcing .
n.
1. any thing or place from which something comes, arises, or is obtained; origin: Which foods are sources of calcium?
2. the beginning or place of origin of a stream or river.
3. a book, statement, person, etc., supplying information.
4. the person or business making interest or dividend payments.
5. a manufacturer or supplier.
6. Archaic. a natural spring or fountain.
v.t.
7. to give or trace the source for: The research paper was not accurately sourced. The statement was sourced to the Secretary of State.
8. to find or acquire a source, esp. a supplier, for: Some of the components are now sourced in Hong Kong.
v.i.
9. to contract a manufacturer or supplier: Many large companies are now sourcing overseas.
10. to seek information about or consider possible options, available personnel, or the like: a job recruiter who was merely sourcing.
[ 1300-50; ME sours (n.) sors (masc.), sourse, source (fem.), n. use of ptp. of sourdre surgere to spring up or forth ]
Syn. 1. supplier, originator. 3. authority, reference.