any thing or place from which something comes, arises, or is obtained; origin

Which foods are sources of calcium?

the beginning or place of origin of a stream or river.

a book, statement, person, etc., supplying information.

the person or business making interest or dividend payments.

a manufacturer or supplier.

Archaic . a natural spring or fountain.

to give or trace the source for

The research paper was not accurately sourced. The statement was sourced to the Secretary of State.

to find or acquire a source, esp. a supplier, for

Some of the components are now sourced in Hong Kong.

to contract a manufacturer or supplier

Many large companies are now sourcing overseas.

to seek information about or consider possible options, available personnel, or the like

a job recruiter who was merely sourcing.

noun

effect , end , result

noun

antecedent , author , authority , authorship , begetter , birthplace , cause , commencement , connection , dawn , dawning , derivation , determinant , expert , father , fount , fountain , fountainhead , horse’s mouth , inception , informant , maternity , mother , onset , opening , origin , origination , originator , parent , paternity , provenance , provenience , rise , rising , root , specialist , spring , start , starting point , wellspring , beginning , rootstock , well , basis , bibliography , etiology , font , genesis , gravy train , headwaters , incipience , lode , seed , springhead