ENGLISH
REFERENCE

influx

n.
US //ˈɪnˌfɫəks// UK //ˈɪnflʌks// in·flux
  1. 1 influence or power (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a flow of power or influence from one person to another.

    the exercise of influence or power over someone or something. This sense is no longer used in modern English.

    Example

    The old books spoke of the influx of the stars on human fate.

    Example

    In medieval philosophy, the term described a literal influx of celestial power believed to govern the physical health of individuals.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is archaic; learners should use 'influence' or 'impact' in modern contexts.
Origin

From Latin īnflūxus (“inflow; influence”), from īnfluō (“flow or run into”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026