I. ˈinˌflüənt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin influent-, influens, present participle of influere to flow in — more at influence
1. : flowing in ; especially : contributing water to the zone of saturation and thereby sustaining or raising the water table
influent seepage
2. archaic : exercising influence
beneath the influent heavens — Elizabeth B. Browning
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a tributary stream : affluent ; also : a stream or part of a stream that contributes water to the zone of saturation underground
2.
a. : an animal or rarely a plant that has an important effect on the balance and stability of an ecological community
rabbits and prairie dogs are important influents in some rangelands
b. : a determining factor in the ecological balance of a human community
location of home in relation to job is an influent in city growth