inflow

Everyday

1. The movement of water, air or other things flowing into a place: the inflow of a river into a lake. tree →
2. The arrival of money, people or goods into a place: an inflow of visitors, cash inflow. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science, rivers, pipes and air give inflow into lakes, reservoirs or rooms; outflow goes out. In maths problems, a tank with inflow and outflow fills or empties at the difference of the two rates. In money lessons, cash inflow is money coming in. Phrases: inflow and outflow, inflow of water, an inflow of tourists.

Examples

• The inflow of river water filled the reservoir. tree →
• The bathtub's inflow was faster than its outflow, so it overflowed. tree →
• Summer brings an inflow of tourists to the beach town. tree →
• The shop had a big inflow of money at Christmas. tree →
• Warm air inflow made the room cosy. tree →
• If the inflow is 5 litres a minute and the outflow is 3, the tank gains 2 litres a minute. tree →

Note

Opposite: «outflow». In maths, net change = inflow − outflow. Stress: IN-flow.