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

Continuing investments in both design and downstream software will increase customer interest and retention, they said.

Read more on Barron's

It also helps explain how ribosomal quality control, downstream signaling networks, and the immune system coordinate their responses.

Read more on Science Daily

"The memory industry has begun a robust upward pricing cycle," which "forces downstream brands to hike retail prices," TrendForce said.

Read more on Barron's

For example, roughly one hundred million people live in adjacent areas, and six hundred million people live downstream from the pandas’ mountainous habitat.

Read more on Literature

“With prices now rising by double digits, cost pressures on PC downstream could become meaningful in 2026,” he wrote.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• next