refluent

adjective

re·​flu·​ent ˈre-ˌflü-ənt 

re-ˈflü-

: flowing back

Did you know?

Refluent was first documented in English during the 15th century, and it can be traced back to the Latin verb refluere, meaning "to flow back." "Refluere," in turn, was formed from the prefix re- and the verb "fluere" ("to flow"). Other "fluere" descendants in English include "confluent" ("flowing together"), "fluent" and "fluid" (both of which share the earliest sense of "flowing easily"), "circumfluent" ("flowing around"), and even "affluent" (which first meant "flowing abundantly"). "Refluent" even has an antonym derived from "fluere" - effluent, meaning "flowing out."

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin refluent-, refluens, present participle of refluere to flow back, from re- + fluere to flow — more at fluid

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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