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DictionaryRoot: con-
Latin

con-

together, with; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • con-
  • com- — Used before certain consonants, especially b, p, and m.
  • col- — The final consonant changed before l.
  • cor- — The final consonant changed before r.
  • co- — The final consonant was lost in some combinations.

Origin

From Latin cum, “with,” and an older form com-.

Note

Togetherness could extend to completeness. Not every word containing this prefix retains an obvious “with” meaning.

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noun

confluence

KAHN-floo-uhns/ˈkɑːnfluəns/

The meeting and joining of flowing streams.

The two rivers form a confluence just beyond the bridge.

Two rivers meet at distinct Y-shaped junction, one blue and one brownish stream mingle into one course, clear meeting point foreground; minimal banks and white background.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly
+fluLatinflow
+enceLatina state or quality

“Flowing together” originally described the meeting of streams. That concrete image also captures the broader sense of separate things coming together at a common point.

In context

Inspire To Go0:00
The confluence is where the stunning turquoise blue Havasu Creek blends into the sometimes muddy Colorado River.
Hiking To The Confluence | Where Havasu Creek Meets the Colorado River

More examples

  • We paddle downstream to the confluence of the two creeks.
  • Sediment collects at the confluence after heavy rain.
  • The map marks several confluences along the river.

Forms

confluence · confluences

Similar words

junction
Names any joining point, not specifically one involving rivers.
convergence
Emphasizes movement toward one point without necessarily joining.