flow

verb

• 1(of a liquid, gas, or electricity) move steadily and continuously in a current or stream:from here the river flows north ventilation channels keep the air flowing
• (of the sea or a tidal river) move towards the land; rise. Compare with ebb.

• 2 [with adverbial of direction] go from one place to another in a steady stream, typically in large numbers:people flowed into the huge courtyard
• proceed or be produced continuously and effortlessly:talk flowed freely around the table
• (of clothing or hair) hang loosely in an easy and graceful manner:her red hair flowed over her shoulders
• be available in copious quantities:their talk and laughter grew louder as the excellent brandy flowed
• (flow from) be caused by:there are certain advantages that may flow from that decision

• 3(of a solid) undergo a permanent change of shape under stress, without melting.

noun

• 1 [in singular] the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream:the flow of water into the pond
• the rate or speed at which something flows:under the ford the river backs up, giving a deep sluggish flow
• the rise of a tide or a river. Compare with ebb.

• 2a steady, continuous stream or supply of something:a constant flow of people the flow of words was interrupted by painful sobs

• 3Scottish a watery swamp; a morass.

• 4the gradual permanent deformation of a solid under stress, without melting.