overflow

verb

• (especially of a liquid) flow over the brim of a receptacle:chemicals overflowed from a storage tank [with object]:the river overflowed its banks
• (of a container) be so full that the contents go over or extend above the sides:a bath had overflowed upstairs boxes overflowing with bright flowers (as adjective overflowing)an overflowing ashtray
• (of a space) be so crowded that people cannot fit inside:the waiting area was overflowing
• [with object] flood or flow over (a surface or area):her hair overflowed her shoulders
• (overflow with) be very full of (an emotion or quality):her heart overflowed with joy

noun

• 1 [in singular] the excess or surplus not able to be accommodated by an available space:to accommodate the overflow, five more offices have been built
• the flowing over of a liquid:there was some overflow after heavy rainfall an overflow of sewage

• 2 (also overflow pipe) (in a bathtub or sink) an outlet for excess water.

• 3 Computing the generation of a number or some other data item that is too large for an assigned location or memory space.