stream

Everyday

1. A stream is a small, narrow river. tree →
2. A stream is a continuous flow of something, like a stream of water, cars or people. tree →
3. To stream means to flow continuously. tree →
4. To stream video or music means to play it straight from the internet. tree →
5. In some schools, a stream is a group of pupils of similar level. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science, streams flow downhill and join to make rivers; they are habitats for fish, insects and frogs. In safety, streams can rise quickly after rain and rocks are slippery: never cross fast-moving water, and do not drink stream water without treating it. In everyday life, «tears streamed down her face», «a stream of cars», and families stream films and music online — screen time and online safety rules apply. «Downstream» and «upstream» describe the direction of flow.

Examples

• We paddled in the stream. tree →
• The stream flows into the river. tree →
• Never try to cross a fast stream after heavy rain. tree →
• Don't drink water straight from a stream. tree →
• A stream of people came out of the stadium. tree →
• Tears streamed down his cheeks. tree →
• We streamed the film on the TV. tree →
• Light streamed through the window. tree →
• He leaped into the deep, swift stream. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Regular verb: streamed, streaming. A stream is smaller than a river; a «brook» or «creek» (US, Australia) is similar. «Upstream» = towards where the water comes from; «downstream» = the way the water flows. «Livestream» = a live video online.

In Jewish tradition

Here "the stream" means the brook Jabbok, which Jacob crossed before wrestling with the angel. In the Psalms and Prophets a stream is also a picture of rushing water, of a flood that could sweep away a person, of dry riverbeds filled again, or of justice that never stops flowing.

Interpretation. Jacob sent his family and goods across the stream and stayed alone behind. Tradition says he went back for some small jars, which teaches that honest property should be treated with care. The psalm about streams in the dry land is read as a prayer for return from exile, and Amos's mighty stream as a call to act with justice.

Examples

• And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had. (Torah GEN.32.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Turn our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the dry land. (Writings PSA.126.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul; (Writings PSA.124.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• But let justice well up as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. (Prophets AMO.5.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun. Regular verb: streamed, streaming. A stream is smaller than a river; a «brook» or «creek» (US, Australia) is similar. «Upstream» = towards where the water comes from; «downstream» = the way the water flows. «Livestream» = a live video online.