flow

I UK [fləʊ] / US [floʊ] noun
Word forms "flow":
singular flow plural flows
***

1)

a) [countable/uncountable] the continuous movement of a liquid in one direction

drugs that improve blood flow around the body

flow of:

Leaves in the ditch were blocking the flow of water.

b) the continuous movement of a line of vehicles or people

The new system should speed up the traffic flow.

flow of:

There was a steady flow of refugees leaving the country.

2) [countable/uncountable] a supply of something that continues without stopping

Reducing tariffs is the key to developing a substantial trade flow.

the agency's work flow

flow of:

News media provided a steady flow of information about the war.

3) [countable/uncountable] a way of talking or thinking in an easy natural way, without any pauses or difficulties

flow of:

She kept up an easy flow of conversation throughout the journey.

The phone rang, interrupting the flow of his thoughts.

4) [singular] the movement of the sea in towards the land

the ebb and flow of the tide

•

- go with the flow

- in full flow

II UK [fləʊ] / US [floʊ] verb [intransitive]
Word forms "flow":
present tense I/you/we/they flow he/she/it flows present participle flowing past tense flowed past participle flowed
**

1) if a liquid flows, it moves smoothly and continuously in one direction

Her tears began to flow more freely.

flow through/around/from:

Hot water flows through the pipes.

Blood flowed from the wound on her face.

flow into:

The Sacramento River flows into San Francisco Bay.

a) if an electric current flows, it passes continuously through something

b) if a line of people or vehicles flows, it moves steadily without stopping

flow past/by/into:

A constant stream of people flowed past.

2) if a supply of something flows, it continues without stopping

We have to keep information flowing within the company.

flow into/from etc:

Millions of pounds of new investment are flowing into the region.

3) if words or ideas flow, they follow each other in an easy, natural, continuous way

The conversation did not flow smoothly.

When I write, the words just flow from my pen.

4) if a feeling flows through you, you suddenly feel it strongly

flow through/over/into:

Excitement and energy seemed to flow right through me.

5) if hair or clothing flows, it falls or moves in a smooth graceful way around someone's body

6) informal if alcoholic drinks flow, people drink a lot of them

Champagne flowed freely all evening.

7) if the tide flows, the sea comes in towards the land

Phrasal verbs:

- flow from