ENGLISH
REFERENCE

downstream

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdaʊnˈstɹim// UK //dˈaʊnstɹiːm// down·stream

adj. happening or existing further along in a process. In science or business, it describes things that happen later because of an earlier action.

adj. occurring or situated further along in a sequence or process; specifically, relating to the stages of a process that follow an initial action. Often describes the consequences or subsequent phases of a biological or industrial chain.


SIMPLE

The medicine has several downstream effects on the body.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists are studying the downstream effects of the new drug on liver function after the initial treatment.

COMPLEX

While the primary mutation is well understood, the downstream consequences for cellular metabolism remain a subject of intense debate among the research team.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From down- + stream.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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