downstream

American  

[doun-streem] / ˈdaʊnˈstrim /

adverb

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of downstream

First recorded in 1700–10; down ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

As a result, even if crude production comes back, fuel and gas supplies can remain constrained due to slower recovery in these downstream facilities.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

The change in the legislation will put provincial governments—eager to promote jobs and development—in charge of determining which glaciers should be protected by identifying those that are a source of water downstream.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Around the same time, the committee also met to review an exemption application related to water management at the Grayrocks Dam in Wyoming and its effects on endangered whooping cranes downstream in Nebraska.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

If you wish to see a public that is more informed about A.I.’s upsides and downsides, the downstream effects of these incentives are worrisome.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

Legend said that the boy who retrieved your wreath downstream was the boy you would marry.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

Related Words

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