v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. a flow over (the brim, limits, etc.). b flow over the brim or limits of.
2 intr. a (of a receptacle etc.) be so full that the contents overflow it (until the cup was overflowing). b (of contents) overflow a container.
3 tr. (of a crowd etc.) extend beyond the limits of (a room etc.).
4 tr. flood (a surface or area).
5 intr. (foll. by with) be full of.
6 intr. (of kindness, a harvest, etc.) be very abundant.
--n. (also attrib.)
1. what overflows or is superfluous (mop up the overflow; put the overflow audience in another room).
2 an instance of overflowing (overflow occurs when both systems are run together).
3 (esp. in a bath or sink) an outlet for excess water etc.
4 Computing the generation of a number having more digits than the assigned location.
Phrases and idioms:
overflow meeting a meeting for those who cannot be accommodated at the main gathering.
Etymology: OE oferflowan (as OVER-, FLOW)