# cfs

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cfs
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

Stands for Cubic Feet per Second. A way to measure how much water is flowing through a river or pipe every second.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Cubic Feet per Second. A unit of flow rate used primarily in hydrology and civil engineering to quantify the volume of water passing a specific point in one second.

## Examples

- The river flow reached 500 cfs after the heavy rain.
- Engineers monitored the dam release to ensure the flow did not exceed 2,000 cfs, which could cause downstream flooding.
- Hydrologists use cfs measurements to calibrate flood models, as even a minor increase in flow rate can significantly alter the erosion patterns along the riverbank over time.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in technical reports and water management; often treated as a collective unit of measurement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.