source Definition
source (sôrs)
noun
- a spring, fountain, etc. that is the starting point of a stream
- that from which something comes into existence, develops, or derives the sun is our source of energy, the source of a difficulty
- any person, place, or thing by which something is supplied a source of pleasure
- a person, book, document, etc. that provides information to consult various sources
- the point or thing from which light rays, sound waves, etc. emanate
Etymology: ME sours < OFr sourse < pp. of sourdre, to rise < L surgere: see surge
transitive verb, intransitive verb sourced, sourc′·ing
- ☆ to obtain (parts, materials, etc.) from a source of supply
- ☆ to identify the source of (information, quotations, etc.)
source Synonyms
source
n.
source Telecom Definition
Also known as a sender or a transmitter, a source is a device that originates, or generates, an information transfer to one or more receivers. See also transceiver, transmitter, and receiver.
source Usage Examples
Preposition: of
- funding: The Diabetes Charitable Trust Fund is a major source of funding for diabetes initiatives.
- inspiration: The collections of the British Museum, located round the corner from his home during his adolescent years, were another source of inspiration.
- income: Only with a regular source of income can we ensure the service is maintained.
- information: A list of sources of further information is provided.
- energy: Olive oil is man's best source of energy.
Converse of object
- cite: The reliability of the news herein is dependent on that of the cited sources, which are paraphrased rather than quoted.
- identify: My first task was precisely to identify the on-line news sources.
Adjective modifier
- renewable: Trade unions need to support the use of renewable energy sources.
- primary: For contemporary surveys and descriptions see primary sources in print.
- secondary: It does this by analyzing information from a range of secondary data sources.
- reliable: As such the Commission had published data from what it had believed a reliable source.
- main: A CHP plant, which is gas fuelled, supplies the main power source.
- rich: By far the richest natural source comes from coconut which is composed mainly of MCT.
Modifies a noun
- code: The source code in which web pages are written.
- material: Home Sweet Home Front Home Sweet Home Front provides source material on a variety of subjects related to the Second World War Home Front.
Noun used with modifier
- data: In particular: Re: current applications of existing data sources How adequate is the coverage of issues for your research purposes?
- energy: Rest Interval between sessions The energy source being used during the training session is probably the most important factor to consider.
- X-ray: In all, 389 distinct X-ray sources were detected, at least two-thirds of which were associated with a single proper-motion cluster member.
- funding: The rest of the money has been contributed by the other funding sources.
- reference: More specialist, subject orientated reference sources are also available.
Browse dictionary entries near source
- ‹ sourball
- ‹ sour salt
- ‹ sour orange
- ‹ sour mash
- ‹ sour-gum
- ‹ sour grapes
- ‹ sour gourd
- ‹ sour cream
- ‹ sour cherry
- ‹ sour

