noun
affluent
A stream flowing into a larger stream or river.
The map shows an affluent joining the river from the east.
Etymology
Latin ad- and fluere combine the ideas of flowing toward something. This noun preserves that literal movement, naming a stream that flows into a larger watercourse.
More examples
- Several affluents feed the lake’s main river.
- The survey traced the course of each affluent.
- Floodwater entered through a small affluent.
Forms
affluent · affluents