downstream

[doun-streem]

adverb

1. with or in the direction of the current of a stream.

adjective

1. of or relating to the latter part of a process or system.

2. Genetics.,  with or in the direction of transcription, translation, or synthesis of a DNA, RNA, or protein molecule.

downstream

/ ˈdaʊnˈstriːm /

adverb

1. in or towards the lower part of a stream; with the current

2. (in the oil industry) of or for the refining, distribution, or marketing of oil or its derived products Compare upstream

Word History and Origins

Origin of downstream¹

First recorded in 1700–10; down ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

Federal officials have said they want to keep Lake Powell well above a point where water could pass downstream only through Glen Canyon Dam’s low-level bypass tubes.

From Los Angeles Times

Just as important, Kirk sensed and exploited the complacency and weakness of liberal culture, and understood, in the cliché of our age, that politics is a downstream subsidiary.

From Salon

Several parts of northern India and Pakistan, which are downstream from the rivers originating in the Himalayas, have seen devastating floods even when there were no cloudbursts or significant rainfall.

From BBC

The dam's construction on a Nile tributary, which provides most of that great river's water, was controversial with downstream countries.

From BBC

When India's reservoirs are overwhelmed, the release of water can cause heavy flooding downstream - which is happening across swathes of Pakistan's Punjab, officials say.

From BBC

Related Words

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