stream

/striːm/
nounverbBeginner
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

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

stream of consciousnessphrase
a continuous flow of thoughts or ideas
streamlinephrasal verb
to make something more efficient

💡Pro Tip

Digital vs. Physical

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

Gold Rule

Verb vs. Noun

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

📖Word Origin

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

📝Usage Notes

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

Word Breakdown

stream
flowing water or data
root
English Dictionary