Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

downstream

[doun-streem]
See more synonyms for downstream on Thesaurus.com
adverb
  1. with or in the direction of the current of a stream.
Show More
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.
Show More

Origin of downstream

First recorded in 1700–10; down1 + stream
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for downstream

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Midway in the passage, the current picked up the cub and swept him downstream.

    White Fang

    Jack London

  • In a few more minutes he could turn back and be sure Sim was downstream.

  • What was he going to do if none of the others joined him downstream?

    Storm Over Warlock

    Andre Norton

  • The roan, with Laramie's hand on his bridle, swept on downstream.

    Laramie Holds the Range

    Frank H. Spearman

  • “There; now you shall try and throw one downstream,” said Kenneth.

    Three Boys

    George Manville Fenn

British Dictionary definitions for downstream

downstream

adverb, adjective
  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 productsCompare upstream (def. 2)
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for downstream

adv., adj.

1706, from down (prep.) + stream (n.).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper