influent

1 of 2

adjective

in·​flu·​ent ˈin-ˌflü-ənt How to pronounce influent (audio)
in-ˈflü-
: flowing in

influent

2 of 2

noun

1
: something that flows in: such as
a
: a tributary stream
b
: fluid input into a reservoir or process
2
: a factor modifying the balance and stability of an ecological community

Examples of influent in a Sentence

Noun along with its influents, the Missouri and Ohio rivers, the Mississippi River drains all or part of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The facility also has most of its influent pumps running again, after Tropical Storm Hilary broke five of six. Tammy Murga, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2024 The consortium intends to gauge the scale of infection in a population by collecting and examining influent samples from municipal wastewater treatment plants in several countries including in India. Sahana Ghosh, Quartz India, 15 Apr. 2020
Noun
The influent flow is slowed to allow human and food organic waste to settle on the bottom of the tank. The Seattle Times, 29 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of influent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near influent

Cite this Entry

“Influent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/influent. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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