stream

/striːm/

continuous flow of liquid or data

The mountain stream flowed down the valley.

A natural water flow moves through a valley.

general

a continuous flow of liquid, such as water, moving in a channel or bed

We sat by the stream and listened to the birds.

A natural water flow provided a peaceful setting.

Often refers to natural watercourses like rivers or brooks.

Technology

technical

a continuous flow of data or information, often in digital form

The live stream of the concert was broadcast online.

A continuous digital feed of the event was shared online.

Common in computing and media contexts.

general

to flow or move in a continuous current

Tears streamed down her face as she cried.

Liquid flowed continuously from her eyes.

Can describe both literal and metaphorical movement.

Collocations

stream of consciousnessa continuous flow of thoughts or ideaslive streama real-time digital broadcaststreamlineto make something more efficient

a continuous flow of thoughts or ideas

to make something more efficient

'Stream' can refer to both water and digital data, so context is key.

As a verb, 'stream' means to flow or broadcast; as a noun, it refers to a continuous flow.

Old English 'strēam,' from Proto-Germanic 'straumaz,' meaning 'current, stream.' Related to 'strew' and 'strain.'

As a verb, 'stream' can mean to flow or to broadcast digitally. As a noun, it can refer to water or data.

stream

flowing water or data

root

English Dictionary