source

play

noun \ˈsȯrs\

Definition of source

1a : a generative force : causeb (1) : a point of origin or procurement : beginning (2) : one that initiates : author; also : prototype, model (3) : one that supplies information
2a : the point of origin of a stream of water : fountainheadb 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

sourceless

play \ˈsȯrs-ləs\ adjective

See source defined for English-language learners

See source defined for kids

Examples of source in a Sentence

The college had its own power source.
She has been a great source of strength to me.
His job is the family's main source of income.
A government source spoke to the press today.
The reporter has refused to reveal his sources.
According to one source, the program will not cost a lot.
information from various intelligence sources

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

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

source

verb

Definition of source

sourced

;

sourcing

transitive verb
1 : to specify the source of (something, such as quoted material)
2 : to obtain from a source metals sourced from abroad

First Known Use of source

1957

source

adjective

Definition of source

: of, relating to, or being source code a source file

First Known Use of source

1959

SOURCE Defined for English Language Learners

source

play

noun

Definition of source for English Language Learners

: 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

SOURCE Defined for Kids

source

play

noun \ˈsȯrs\

Definition of source for Students

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