noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
source of a river; fountainhead
Specifically refers to the geographical origin of a river or stream. Can also be used as a suru verb meaning 'to rise' or 'to have its source'.
この川は山奥に発源する。
This river rises deep in the mountains.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
Archaic general sense for the origin or beginning of something. Modern Japanese typically uses 起源 or 源 instead.
この風習の発源は古い時代に遡る。
The origin of this custom dates back to ancient times.