First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1source
noun \ˈsȯrs\
: someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed
: the cause of something (such as a problem)
: a person, book, etc., that gives information
Full Definition of SOURCE
1
2
a : the point of origin of a stream of water : fountainhead b archaic : spring, fount
3
: a firsthand document or primary reference work
4
: an electrode in a field-effect transistor that supplies the charge carriers for current flow — compare drain, gate
— source·less \-ləs\ adjective
See source defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SOURCE
Middle English sours, from Anglo-French surse spring, source, from past participle of surdre to rise, spring forth, from Latin surgere — more at surge
Related to SOURCE
- Synonyms
- cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, root, seedbed, spring, well, wellspring
Synonym Discussion of SOURCE
origin, source, inception, root mean the point at which something begins its course or existence. origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being <an investigation into the origin of baseball>. source applies more often to the point where something springs into being <the source of the Nile> <the source of recurrent trouble>. inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes <the business has been a success since its inception>. root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned <the real root of the violence>.
2source
transitive verb
sourcedsourc·ing
Definition of SOURCE
1
: to specify the source of (as quoted material)
2
: to obtain from a source <metals sourced from abroad>
First Known Use of SOURCE
1957
3source
adjective
Definition of SOURCE
: of, relating to, or being source code <a source file>
First Known Use of SOURCE
1959
SOURCING Defined for Kids
source
noun \ˈsȯrs\
Definition of SOURCE for Kids
1
: a cause or starting point <the source of a rumor>
2
: the beginning of a stream of water <the source of the Nile River>
3
: someone or something that supplies information <a reference source>
4
: someone or something that provides what is needed <a source of supplies> <a source of strength>
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