stream 1 W3 / strim / 名词 [可数名词]

1 small river a natural flow of water that moves across the land and is narrower than a river → downstream , upstream

2 continuous series a long and almost continuous series of events, people, objects etc

stream of

a stream of traffic

a stream of abuse

steady/constant/endless etc stream

A steady stream of visitors came to the house.

3 air/water a flow of water, air, smoke etc, or the direction in which it is flowing :

A stream of cold air rushed through the open door. → Gulf Stream , jet stream

4 come on stream especially British English to start working or producing something :

The new factory will come on stream at the end of the year.

5 school British English a level of ability within a group of students of the same age :

Kim’s in the top stream.

→ bloodstream , mainstream 1 , stream of consciousness

THESAURUS

a small river

stream a small narrow river : a cool mountain stream

brook literary a small stream : There was a small brook, rushing and sparkling along between green banks.

creek a narrow area of sea that goes into the land, or a small river : The River Fal with its many creeks was a perfect place for smugglers. | The kids hunted for crabs in the muddy creek.