downstream

American  

[doun-streem] / ˈdaʊnˈstrim /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of downstream

First recorded in 1700–10; down ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

“When flu activity spikes, it is expected to see a parallel rise in downstream complications.”

From Salon

The downstream effects, on both the housing services industry and consumers, will become clearer in 2026.

From Barron's

Citgo’s assets include three U.S. refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Lemont, Ill., in addition to pipelines, terminals and other downstream assets.

From MarketWatch

Citgo’s assets include three U.S. refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Lemont, Ill., in addition to pipelines, terminals and other downstream assets.

From MarketWatch

Where the impact could show up first is downstream, the industry term for companies that process oil.

From Barron's

Related Words

• next