DictionarycurrentFlow of water or air
noun

current

A directed flow through a medium.

The river's strong current carries fallen leaves toward the bridge.

Etymology

The Latin verb means to run. A current is something running or flowing along a course, whether water, air, electricity, or another moving medium.

More examples

  • Warm air currents carry the glider higher.
  • An electric current flows through the wire.
  • The speech reflects a growing current of public discontent.

Forms

current · currents

Similar words

flow
Flow describes movement generally, without requiring a particular direction.
stream
Stream often suggests a narrow, continuous flow of fluid.