flow off
Verb: - To move away or drain gradually in a steady stream or current. It describes the action of a liquid, or sometimes something perceived as fluid-like, departing from a surface or source.
This verb is used to describe the process where a liquid, such as water, leaves a surface or container steadily and continuously. It often implies a natural or gravity-driven movement away from a point. - The primary subject is typically a liquid (e.g., water, oil, rain). - It is often followed by a prepositional phrase starting with "from" to indicate the point of origin.
- Figurative Use: Can be applied metaphorically to describe non-physical things departing smoothly.
- As the meeting ended, the attendees began to flow off into the hallway.
- Scientific/Technical Context: Used in descriptions of fluid dynamics, hydrology, or engineering.
- The design ensures that any condensation will flow off the aircraft's wing.
- Run off: Similar meaning, often used interchangeably, but can imply a quicker or more sudden departure.
- Drain away: Emphasizes the process of emptying or removal.
- Trickle away: Suggests a very slow, small flow.
- Drain
- Run off
- Discharge
- Empty
- Flow away: A very close synonym, often used identically to "flow off."
- The floodwaters slowly began to flow away from the town.
"Flow off" is a separable phrasal verb, though the elements are rarely separated in common usage (e.g., "flow the water off" is less common than "the water flowed off"). It specifically focuses on the point of departure (off from a surface) rather than just the general movement of flowing.
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flow off or away gradually
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The water flowed off from the pipe
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