Definition of flow

< flout

flowage >

flow    (fl) KEY 

VERB:
flowed, flow·ing, flows
VERB:
intr.

1. 1. To move or run smoothly with unbroken continuity, as in the manner characteristic of a fluid.
   2. To issue in a stream; pour forth: Sap flowed from the gash in the tree.
2. To circulate, as the blood in the body.
3. To move with a continual shifting of the component particles: wheat flowing into the bin; traffic flowing through the tunnel.
4. To proceed steadily and easily: The preparations flowed smoothly.
5. To exhibit a smooth or graceful continuity: The poem's cadence flowed gracefully.
6. To hang loosely and gracefully: The cape flowed from his shoulders.
7. To rise. Used of the tide.
8. To arise; derive: Many conclusions flow from this hypothesis.
9. 1. To abound or teem: coffers flowing with treasure.
   2. To stream copiously; flood: Contributions flowed in from all parts of the country.
10. To menstruate.
11. To undergo plastic deformation without cracking or breaking. Used of rocks, metals, or minerals.

VERB:
tr.

1. To release as a flow: trees flowing thin sap.
2. To cause to flow: "One of the real keys to success is developing a system where you can flow traffic to yourselves" (Marc Klee).

NOUN:

1. 1. The act of flowing.
   2. The smooth motion characteristic of fluids.
2. 1. A stream or current.
   2. A flood or overflow.
   3. A residual mass that has stopped flowing: a hardened lava flow.
3. 1. A continuous output or outpouring: a flow of ideas; produced a steady flow of stories.
   2. A continuous movement or circulation: the flow of traffic; a flow of paperwork across his desk.
4. The amount that flows in a given period of time.
5. The rising of the tide.
6. Continuity and smoothness of appearance.
7. A general movement or tendency: a dissenter who went against the flow of opinion.
8. The sequence in which operations are performed.
9. An apparent ease or effortlessness of performance: "An athlete must learn to forget the details of his or her training to achieve the instinctive sense of flow that characterizes a champion" (Frederick Turner).
10. Menstrual discharge.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English flouen, from Old English flwan; see pleu- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
flowing·ly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
flow, current, flood, flux, rush¹, stream, tide¹

These nouns denote something suggestive of running water: a flow of thought; the current of history; a flood of ideas; a flux of words; a rush of sympathy; a stream of complaints; a tide of immigration. See also Synonyms at stem¹.