source

The person, place, or thing that something comes from or can be obtained from.

• The sun is a source of energy.
• We need a new source of spare parts.
• They traced the information to its original source.

How to use it: source of something (Beans are a good source of protein.)

Similar words: origin, supply

Common phrases: source of something, main source, reliable source, source of information

The place where a river or stream starts.

• The river’s source is in the mountains.
• We traced the stream back to its source.
• Snow was melting near the source.

How to use it: source of something (They walked to the source of the stream.)

Similar words: headwaters, spring

Opposites: mouth

Common phrases: source of a river, river source, near the source

To find and get the materials, products, or services you need, especially for a business.

• We source ingredients locally.
• The company sourced parts from three suppliers.
• Where do you source your coffee beans?

How to use it: source something from somewhere (We source our vegetables from nearby farms.)

Similar words: obtain, procure

Common phrases: source materials, source locally, source something from