— overflowable , adj. — overflowingly , adv.
v. /oh'veuhr floh"/ ; n. /oh"veuhr floh'/ , v. , overflowed, overflown, overflowing , n.
v.i.
1. to flow or run over, as rivers or water: After the thaw, the river overflows and causes great damage.
2. to have the contents flowing over or spilling, as an overfull container: Stop pouring or your glass is going to overflow.
3. to pass from one place or part to another as if flowing from an overfull space: The population overflowed into the adjoining territory.
4. to be filled or supplied with in great measure: a heart overflowing with gratitude; a region overflowing with orchards and vineyards.
v.t.
5. to flow over; flood; inundate: The river overflowed several farms.
6. to flow over or beyond (the brim, banks, borders, etc.).
7. to cause to overflow.
8. to flow over the edge or brim of (a receptacle, container, etc.).
9. to fill to the point of running over.
n.
10. an overflowing: the annual overflow of the Nile.
11. something that flows or runs over: to carry off the overflow from a fountain.
12. a portion crowded out of an overfilled place: to house the overflow of the museum's collection in another building.
13. an excess or superabundance: an overflow of applicants for the job.
14. an outlet or receptacle for excess liquid: The tank is equipped with an overflow.
[ bef. 900; ME overflowen, OE oferflowan. See OVER-, FLOW ]
Syn. 13. overabundance, surplus, plethora, flood, glut.