What is a fountain? Probably this is the question you asked when opening this article. There are many dictionaries in which the definition of this word is given, but the most everyday, mundane and pleasant to hearing definitions are used in Ushakov's dictionary. Let us turn to Ushakov's dictionary to determine the lexical meaning of the word "fountain":
- A jet of liquid ejected upward due to the pressure applied to it from a pipe or other type of hole.
- Figurative meaning. The endless power of something, the unstoppable manifestation of something.
What is a fountain? The meaning of the word in landscape art
An architectural structure containing upward and flowing jets of water. It was originally created for a quick and affordable way to obtain drinking water, but later on it acquired mainly decorative significance. The combination of moving water and an object of architectural and cultural value is a wonderful choice for decorating parks and gardens. Fountains were actively used to give aesthetics to parks and squares in medieval Europe.
A generic definition of the word "fountain"
A structure erected by man or created by nature directly without his participation, the principle of which is based on the discharge of liquid, usually water, under pressure up or to the side. In the case of a liquid ejection to the side, the ejection rate is relatively small, such a fountain is called a source, sometimes a key.
3 main features of the classical concept of what a fountain is: a stream of liquid, most often water; several reservoirs in which the ejected water accumulates, the central composition related to the theme of the elements of water.
Meaning of the word in prison slang and youth slang
Fountain - a prisoner, making denunciations to fellow inmates of the leadership (thieves).
A fountain is a mouth uttering an unpleasant saying to someone, something (youth slang).
A small historical background
Initially, they appeared in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and were a necessity as a way of irrigating plants and watering the crop. Local residents erected them near the house, they were in the middle of the pond located there. The fountains in Japan and China have gained great popularity and invaluable influence on culture. In Buddhist culture, fountains have some sacred, mystical, undoubtedly bewitching significance. The highest peak in decorative art they reached in France of the XVII century. At the end of this century, park art underwent major transformations with the gain of its power from the era of romanticism. Fountains reminiscent of natural fountains, created without the use of human effort, have become popular fake luxury, unnecessary chic and unnecessary details. Nowadays, they compete only in the height of the beating of a stream of water. We hope that with this brief reference we gave the reader an idea of what a fountain is.
Classification
- Natural (geysers).
- Technically created (constructed by human hands, used in production, for example, oil wells).
- Cracker fountain (fountains disguised as everyday objects whose main purpose is to spray people and create a cheerful atmosphere).
- Musical (have an aesthetically pleasing design, together with music they represent a full-fledged artistic performance).
- Decorative (structures created by human hands, performing only a decorative and aesthetic function).
Classification of decorative species
- In size and purpose: fountains intended for placement on the street, and fountains intended for location in the room.
- In view of the central composition, the presence of a specific thematic sculpture in the center.
- By the presence or absence of dynamics in the operation of the fountain, its water supply and lighting equipment.