I. ˈflō 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 flow s slowly
2. : rise
the tide ebbs and flow s
3. : abound
a land flow ing with natural resources
4.
a. : to proceed smoothly and readily
conversation flow ed easily
b. : to have a smooth continuity
5. : to hang loose and billowing
her gown flow ed around her
6. : to derive from a source : come
the wealth that flow s from trade
7. : to deform under stress without cracking or rupturing — used especially of minerals and rocks
8. : menstruate
transitive verb
1. : to cause to flow
2. : to discharge in a flow
Synonyms: see spring
• flow·ing·ly -iŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : an act of flowing
2.
a. : flood 1a
b. : flood 2
the tide's ebb and flow
3.
a. : a smooth uninterrupted movement or progress
a flow of information
b. : stream ; also : a mass of material which has flowed when molten
an old lava flow
c. : the direction of movement or development
go with the flow
4. : the quantity that flows in a certain time
a gauge that measures fuel flow
5. : menstruation
6.
a. : the motion characteristic of fluids
b. : a continuous transfer of energy