Stream: meaning, definitions and examples
🌊
stream
[ striːm ]
online video content
A continuous flow of audio or video content transmitted over the internet. Streaming allows users to watch or listen to content in real time without downloading the entire file.
Synonyms
live streaming, online video content, webcasting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
stream |
Use 'stream' when referring to the process of receiving or transmitting video or audio data over the internet. It's a general term that can apply to both watching and broadcasting live or pre-recorded content.
|
online video content |
Use 'online video content' to describe any video available on the internet, whether it's live or recorded. This is a broad term that encompasses all types of video media online.
|
live streaming |
Use 'live streaming' when referring to broadcasting real-time video and audio content over the internet. It emphasizes the live aspect of the content.
|
webcasting |
Use 'webcasting' when referring to broadcasting video and audio content over the internet to a large audience, typically for corporate, educational, or promotional events. It's often used in a more formal context.
|
Examples of usage
- I love watching movies on streaming platforms like Netflix.
- The popularity of streaming services has grown rapidly in recent years.
moving body of water
A small, narrow river or brook that flows swiftly or gently. Streams are often found in natural landscapes and provide habitat for various aquatic organisms.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
stream |
Typically used to describe a small to medium flow of water, often natural, that moves continuously through a landscape. Suitable for both formal and casual contexts.
|
brook |
A term used primarily to indicate a small, natural watercourse. It's often found in literature and can evoke a picturesque or rustic setting.
|
creek |
Common in American English to describe a small, narrow, and often shallow waterway. It can be used in both everyday conversation and technical descriptions.
|
rivulet |
Refers to a very small stream or a small flow of water. Often used in poetic or descriptive language to emphasize the small size or gentle nature of the water.
|
Examples of usage
- We went for a picnic by the stream and enjoyed the peaceful sound of running water.
- The stream meandered through the forest, creating a serene atmosphere.
to flow or run
To move steadily and continuously in a particular direction. Stream can refer to the movement of water, air, or even people or vehicles.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
stream |
Used to describe a small, narrow body of flowing water, usually found in nature. It can also refer to a continuous flow of data or material.
|
flow |
Used to describe the movement of a liquid, gas, or other substance in a smooth and continuous way. It can also refer to the smooth movement of something, like traffic or conversation.
|
run |
Used to describe the action of a liquid moving or being poured quickly, often in a less controlled manner. It can also refer to continuous operation or sequence of events. This word can sometimes carry a negative tone if referring to uncontrolled or excessive flow.
|
cascade |
Used to describe a series of small waterfalls or something that falls or flows in a descending manner, often in a beautiful or dramatic way.
|
Examples of usage
- Tears streamed down her face as she listened to the sad news.
- Traffic streamed along the highway during rush hour.
Translations
Translations of the word "stream" in other languages:
🇵🇹 corrente
- fluxo
- riacho
🇮🇳 प्रवाह
- धारा
- नदी
🇩🇪 Strom
- Fluss
- Bach
🇮🇩 arus
- aliran
- sungai kecil
🇺🇦 потік
- течія
- струмок
🇵🇱 strumień
- przepływ
- strumyk
🇯🇵 流れ (nagare)
- ストリーム (sutoriimu)
- 小川 (ogawa)
🇫🇷 courant
- flux
- ruisseau
🇪🇸 corriente
- flujo
- arroyo
🇹🇷 akım
- akış
- dere
🇰🇷 흐름 (heuleum)
- 스트림 (seuteulim)
- 시내 (sinae)
🇸🇦 تيار
- تدفق
- جدول
🇨🇿 proud
- tok
- potok
🇸🇰 prúd
- tok
- potok
🇨🇳 流 (liú)
- 流程 (liúchéng)
- 小溪 (xiǎoxī)
🇸🇮 tok
- pretok
- potok
🇮🇸 straumur
- flæði
- lækur
🇰🇿 ағын
- ағыны
- бұлақ
🇬🇪 დინება
- ნაკადი
- ნაკადული
🇦🇿 axın
- axın
- çay
🇲🇽 corriente
- flujo
- arroyo
Etymology
The word 'stream' originated from the Old English word 'streám', which meant a current of water or flow. It has been used for centuries to describe the movement of water, and later adopted to refer to the online transmission of audio and video content. The concept of streaming has become increasingly popular with the rise of digital technology and internet connectivity.
See also: streamer, streaming, streamlet, streamline, streamlined.