Kaynak

Kaynak is a Turkish noun with several related meanings. In everyday use, it most commonly denotes a source or origin of something, such as the source of information, a cause, or the origin of a problem. In journalism and research, kaynak is used to refer to information sources, and kaynakça denotes the list of references. The expressions kaynağı or bilgi kaynağı are common, and kaynak göstermek means to cite a source.

In geography and natural science, kaynak also means a spring or fountain—the natural point where groundwater emerges at the surface. In this sense, kaynak suları may be used to describe spring waters, and doğal kaynaklar means natural resources or resources in general.

In engineering and metalworking, kaynak is the act of welding; yapmak means to weld two pieces of metal together, and kaynakçı is a welder. The term is widely used across industries; context determines its meaning. The word also appears as a surname in Turkish and as part of place names.

Etymology: The word originates in Turkish and has developed a family of related senses centered on the idea of a point of origin or supply, whether of water, information, or material.