Main Entry: ¹flow

Pronunciation: \ˈflō\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English flōwan; akin to Old High German flouwen to rinse, wash, Latin pluere to rain, Greek plein to sail, float

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 a (1) : to issue or move in a stream (2) : circulate b : to move with a continual change of place among the constituent particles <molasses flows slowly>
2 : rise <the tide ebbs and flows>
3 : abound <a land flowing with natural resources>
4 a : to proceed smoothly and readily <conversation flowed easily> b : to have a smooth continuity
5 : to hang loose and billowing <her gown flowed around her>
6 : to derive from a source : come <the wealth that flows from trade>
7 : to deform under stress without cracking or rupturing —used especially of minerals and rocks
8 : menstruatetransitive verb 1 : to cause to flow
2 : to discharge in a flow

synonyms see spring

— flow·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb