drift

Definitions of drift in various dictionaries:

noun - a force that moves something along

noun - the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

noun - a process of linguistic change over a period of time

noun - a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

noun - a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

noun - the pervading meaning or tenor

noun - a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

verb - be in motion due to some air or water current

verb - wander from a direct course or at random

verb - move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

verb - vary or move from a fixed point or course

verb - live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely

verb - move in an unhurried fashion

verb - cause to be carried by a current

verb - drive slowly and far afield for grazing

verb - be subject to fluctuation

verb - be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

To be carried along by currents of air or water: a balloon drifting eastward; as the wreckage drifted toward shore.

To proceed or move unhurriedly and smoothly: drifting among the party guests.

To move leisurely or sporadically from place to place, especially without purpose or regular employment: a day laborer, drifting from town to town.

To wander from a set course or point of attention; stray.

To vary from or oscillate randomly about a fixed setting, position, or mode of operation.

To be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of a current: snow drifting to five feet.

To cause to be carried in a current: drifting the logs downstream.

To pile up in banks or heaps: Wind drifted the loose straw against the barn.

To drive (livestock) slowly or far afield, especially for grazing.

The act or condition of drifting.

Something moving along in a current of air or water.

A bank or pile, as of sand or snow, heaped up by currents of air or water.

Rock debris transported and deposited by or from ice, especially by or from a glacier.

A general trend or tendency, as of opinion.

General meaning or purport; tenor: caught the drift of the conversation.

A gradual change in position.

A gradual deviation from an original course, model, method, or intention.

Variation or random oscillation about a fixed setting, position, or mode of behavior.

A gradual change in the output of a circuit or amplifier.

The rate of flow of a water current.

A tool for ramming or driving something down.

A tapered steel pin for enlarging and aligning holes.

A horizontal or nearly horizontal passageway in a mine running through or parallel to a vein.

A secondary mine passageway between two main shafts or tunnels.

A drove or herd, especially of swine.

verb - to move along in a current