Definition

1. Noun:
   • An apparatus for dispensing soda water: A device, typically found in a commercial setting, that uses pressure to carbonate water and dispense it, often used as a base for soft drinks.
   • A counter where ice cream and sodas and sundaes are prepared and served: A service counter in a store, diner, or pharmacy where fountain drinks, ice cream desserts, and light meals are made and sold.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Apparatus):
  • The old-fashioned soda fountain used syrups and carbonated water from a pressurized tank.
  • He fixed the broken nozzle on the soda fountain so they could serve cola again.
• Noun (Counter):
  • We sat at the marble-topped soda fountain and ordered two banana splits.
  • The drugstore had a popular soda fountain that served breakfast and lunch.

Advanced Usage

• "soda fountain" as a concept: The term can evoke a nostalgic or classic American cultural institution from the mid-20th century.
  • The film captured the 1950s perfectly, with its scenes set in the local soda fountain.

Variants and Related Words

• Soda jerk (n, historical): A person who operated a soda fountain and prepared sodas, sundaes, and other fountain items.
  • The soda jerk skillfully made a milkshake with two scoops of ice cream.
• Fountain drink (n): A beverage served from a soda fountain, as opposed to a bottled or canned drink.
  • I'll have a large fountain drink with my meal, please.

Synonyms

• For the apparatus: Carbonator, dispenser.
• For the counter: Snack bar, lunch counter, ice cream parlor (though this is a specific type of establishment).

Related Idioms

• None directly associated with the term "soda fountain" itself.

Noun

1. an apparatus for dispensing soda water
2. a counter where ice cream and sodas and sundaes are prepared and served