confluence

American  

[kon-floo-uhns] / ˈkɒn flu əns /

Also conflux

noun

1. a flowing together of two or more streams, rivers, or the like.

   the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

2. their place of junction.

   St. Louis is at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

3. a body of water formed by the flowing together of two or more streams, rivers, or the like.

4. a coming together of people or things; concourse.

   Synonyms:

   meeting, union

5. a crowd or throng; assemblage.

---

confluence British  

/ ˈkɒnflʊəns, ˈkɒnflʌks /

noun

1. a merging or flowing together, esp of rivers

2. a gathering together, esp of people

---

confluence Scientific  

/ kŏn′flo̅o̅-əns /

1. A flowing together of two or more streams or two or more glaciers.

2. The point of juncture of such streams or glaciers.

3. The combined stream or glacier formed by this juncture.

---

Etymology

Origin of confluence

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin confluentia, from Latin confluent-, stem of confluēns “flowing together” ( confluent ) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

This system worked well until 2019, when a confluence of corporate tax payments and Treasury settlements triggered a scramble for cash.

From Barron's

The hearing in Los Angeles federal court marked the confluence of three orders — two judicial and one executive — that will shape the future of the long neglected campus for decades to come.

From Los Angeles Times

The economics job market is getting buffeted by a confluence of forces.

From The Wall Street Journal

The prime minister's words yesterday are borne of a confluence of economics, politics and geopolitics as the UK starts a year that will mark the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum.

From BBC

Optimists like Musk and Huang see a confluence in trends behind their predictions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• assemblage
• junction