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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

3 entries under this word

Stream

Strēam, n.

noun

n. [A-S. strēam, O. Fries. stram, O. Sax. & N. H. Ger. strom, D. stroom, Dan. & Sw. strōm, Icel. straumr, O. H. Ger. stroum.]

  1. A current of water or other fluid; a liquid substance flowing in a line or course, either on the earth, as a river or brook, or from a vessel or other reservoir or fountain; specifically, (a.) A current of water in the ocean; as, the Gulf Stream. (b.) A current of melted metal or other substance; as, a stream of lead or iron flowing from a furnace; a stream of lava from a volcano. (c.) A current or flow of air or gas.
  2. An issuing in beams or rays, as of light.
  3. Any thing issuing from a source, and moving with a continued succession of parts; as, a stream of words; a stream of sand. “A stream of beneficence.” Atterbury.
  4. A continued current or course; as, a stream of weather. [Obs.] “The stream of his life.” Shak.
  5. Current; drift; tendency; series of tending or moving causes; as, the stream of opinions or manners.

Syn.—Current; flow; rush; tide; course.—STREAM, CURRENT. Current gives us but a single idea, that of running; stream adds the idea of this onward flow being the result of some uniform force; hence, we speak of a shifting current and a steady stream. The stream of the Mississippi rolls on with increasing force; but where it is most rapid there are reflex currents on the side which run in a contrary direction. The current, that with gentle murmur glides, Thou know’st, being stopped, impatiently doth rage; But when his fair course is not hindered, He makes sweet music with the enameled stones. Shak. O, could I flow like thee, and make thy stream My great example, as thou art my theme! Though deep, yet clear, though gentle, yet not dull, Strong without rage, without o’erflowing, full. Denham.

Strēam, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. [imp. & p. p. STREAMED; p. pr. & vb. n. STREAMING.] [A-S. strēamian, Ger. strōmen.]

  1. To issue in a stream; to flow in a current, as a fluid or whatever resembles fluids. “Beneath the banks where rivers stream.” Milton.
  2. To pour out or emit an abundant stream, as of tears. “Grateful Greece with streaming eyes.” Pope.
  3. To issue or go forth in streaks or rays; to radiate.

From opening skies my streaming glories shine. Pope. 4. To extend; to stretch in a long line; as, a flag streaming in the wind.

Strēam, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. 1. To send forth in a current or stream; to cause to flow; to pour.

It may so please that she at length will stream / Some dew of grace into my withered heart. Spencer.

Sense 2. To mark with colors or embroidery in long tracts.

The herald’s mantle is streamed with gold. Bacon.

To stream the buoy (Naut.), to let the buoy fall from the vessel into the water before dropping the anchor.