Definition of: fountain

(foun′tən) noun
1. A spring or jet of water issuing from the earth; especially, the source of a stream. ♦ Collateral adjective: fontal.
2. The origin or source of anything.
3. A jet or spray of water forced upward artificially, to provide water for drinking, cooling the air, or display.
4. A structure designed for such a jet to rise and fall in.
5. A reservoir or supply chamber for holding oil, ink, etc., as in a lamp, printing press, or inkstand.
6. A soda fountain. See synonyms under BEGINNING, CAUSE. [<OF fontaine <LL fontana, orig. fem. singular of fontanus of a spring <fons, fontis fountain]