downstream
Americanadverb
adjective
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of or relating to the latter part of a process or system.
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Genetics. with or in the direction of transcription, translation, or synthesis of a DNA, RNA, or protein molecule.
adverb
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in or towards the lower part of a stream; with the current
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(in the oil industry) of or for the refining, distribution, or marketing of oil or its derived products Compare upstream
Etymology
Origin of downstream
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
International Trade Commission found that the tariffs reduced harmful imports, increased domestic steel production and only raised prices in downstream manufacturing industries by less than 0.2% on average.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
"There's a commander within them -- BC6 -- that leads them in relaying signals to the downstream target."
From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026
Weeks later, the Lineage warehouse fire sent even more debris and pollution downstream.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026
This is all downstream from their build-up play.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Common sense and knowing the currents would tell you that the kayak had drifted downstream, especially with the fast-running spring tides.
From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
