currents
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɝənts// UK //kˈʌɹənts// cur·rents
n. the steady flow of water or air in a specific direction. You can also use it to describe a general mood or set of ideas that people are following right now.
n. the continuous, directed movement of water or air; by extension, the general trend or prevailing course of events or opinions.
Strong ocean currents make it dangerous to swim here.
The boat struggled to move forward because the river currents were pushing it back toward the shore.
The historian argued that the revolution was not a sudden event, but rather the result of deep intellectual currents that had been shifting for decades.
Usage
Often used in the plural when referring to general trends or complex water movements.