I. adjective
Etymology: Middle English folwing, folowing, from present participle of folwen, folowen to follow — more at follow
1. : next after : succeeding , ensuing
the meeting was held on the following day
2. : that immediately follows
the following table shows the rate of increase
trains will leave at the following times
3. of a wind : blowing in or running in the direction in which a ship is moving
4. : being east of or having a greater right ascension than another celestial body so as to follow it in the field of a telescope by reason of diurnal motion — compare preceding
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English folwing, folowing, from gerund of folwen, folowen
1. : the followers, adherents or partisans of one
2.
a. : the regular readers of an author or publication
b. : the patrons of a sport or entertainment
c. : the admirers or supporters of a performer in the arts, sports, or entertainment : fans
III. preposition
Etymology: following (I)
: subsequent to : after in time
following the lecture the meeting was open to discussion