fountain-pen

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fountain pen is a writing instrument that uses a nib and a reservoir of liquid ink. The ink flows from a reservoir (often a cartridge or a built-in tank) through the nib to the paper by capillary action and gravity.

Usage Examples

• (A pen that uses liquid ink from a reservoir.)
• (A traditional ink-filled pen with a nib.)
• (A pen that delivers ink via a nib rather than a ball.)

Advanced Usage

• "to write with a fountain pen": to use this specific type of pen for writing.

  • Many calligraphers insist on writing with a fountain pen for better control. (They use a nib-based pen for artistic writing.)

• "fountain pen ink": the liquid ink specifically designed for use in fountain pens.

  • She bought a bottle of blue fountain pen ink for her new pen. (Ink intended for reservoir-based pens.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fountain (n): a structure that sends water into the air; the word "fountain" in "fountain pen" refers to the ink reservoir that supplies the nib.

  • The fountain in the park is a popular spot. (A water feature.)

• Pen (n): a general term for a writing instrument.

  • He used a pen to write the letter. (Any writing tool that uses ink.)

• Fountain-pen (compound noun): sometimes hyphenated, but often written as "fountain pen" (two words).

  • She collects vintage fountain-pens. (Historical writing instruments with reservoirs.)

Synonyms

• Nib pen: a pen with a metal nib (though "fountain pen" implies a reservoir, while "nib pen" may refer to a dip pen without a reservoir).
• Reservoir pen: a pen that stores ink internally (a more technical term).

Related Idioms

• "The pen is mightier than the sword": a proverb meaning that writing and ideas are more powerful than violence. While not specific to fountain pens, it is a common idiom about writing instruments.
  • In the debate, she proved that the pen is mightier than the sword. (Words are more effective than force.)