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 verb1 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 continuity5: 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 rocks8: menstruatetransitive verb1: to cause to flow2: to discharge in a flow

synonyms see spring

— flow·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb