ˈfauntɪn 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. øfountain-head an
original source. fountain-pen a
pen with a reservoir or
cartridge holding ink. øøfountained adj. (also in comb.). [ME f. OF fontaine f. LL fontana fem. of L fontanus (adj.) f. fons fontis a spring]