Fountain \Foun"tain\ (foun"t[i^]n), n. [F. fontaine, LL. fontana, fr. L. fons, fontis. See 2d Fount.]

1. A spring of water issuing from the earth.

2. An artificially produced jet or stream of water; also, the structure or works in which such a jet or stream rises or flows; a basin built and constantly supplied with pure water for drinking and other useful purposes, or for ornament.

3. A reservoir or chamber to contain a liquid which can be conducted or drawn off as needed for use; as, the ink fountain in a printing press, etc.

4. The source from which anything proceeds, or from which anything is supplied continuously; origin; source.

Judea, the fountain of the gospel. --Fuller.

Author of all being, Fountain of light, thyself invisible. --Milton.

Air fountain. See under Air.

Fountain heead, primary source; original; first principle. --Young.

Fountain inkstand, an inkstand having a continual supply of ink, as from elevated reservoir.

Fountain lamp, a lamp fed with oil from an elevated reservoir.

Fountain pen, a pen with a reservoir in the handle which furnishes a supply of ink.

Fountain pump.
   (a) A structure for a fountain, having the form of a pump.
   (b) A portable garden pump which throws a jet, for watering plants, etc.

Fountain shell (Zo["o]l.), the large West Indian conch shell (Strombus gigas).

Fountain of youth, a mythical fountain whose waters were fabled to have the property of renewing youth.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)