Fountainhead

usgb/ˈfaʊntnhed/
noun

The starting point or origin of something.

The university is considered the fountainhead of innovative ideas.
Visual representation of "fountainhead" - The starting point or origin of something.

Often appears as...

  • fountainhead of knowledge
  • fountainhead of wisdom

Usage tips

General,Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "fountainhead"
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Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically to signify a principal source of something, not just a starting point.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
His grandmother's stories were the fountainhead of his passion for writing.
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Figurative Speech

Commonly found in figurative speech, implying a wellspring of endless inspiration or knowledge.

Illustration for Figurative Speech
This library is a veritable fountainhead of historical works.
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Academic Context

Particularly apt for academic settings where it may describe the origin of schools of thought.

Illustration for Academic Context
Plato's Academy was the fountainhead of Western philosophy.
Visual representation of the word "Fountainhead"

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