1. the source or beginning of a stream or river
2. the original source or cause of something
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The explorers searched for the headspring of the mighty river.
• They discovered a clear headspring bubbling up from the rocky ground.
• The headspring provided fresh water for the entire village.
• Education is often considered the headspring of social progress.
• The headspring of the conflict could be traced back decades.
• Mountain headsprings feed the valley’s irrigation system.