current
KUR-uhnt
/ˈkɜːr.ənt/
A continuous, directed movement of sea water generated by forces such as wind, temperature, salinity, and Earth rotation.
Refers to steady river-like flows moving massive volumes of water through the wider ocean.
The story behind the word. From Old French corant and Latin currere, meaning to run. Describes water that is actively running or flowing in a determined direction.
Word relationships
- stream: Stream usually refers to freshwater flowing over land, while ocean current refers to massive seawater circulations.
Commonly confused with
- tide: Tides are periodic rising/falling water levels caused by gravitational pull; currents are continuous directional flows.
Word family
- currently (adverb): At the present time.
Collocations
- ocean current
- oceanic current
- surface current
- deep water current
Idioms & expressions
- go with the current
- against the current
Example sentences
- "The Gulf Stream is a powerful warm Atlantic ocean current that strongly influences European weather." Physical oceanography
Memory hook
CURRENT: Water running currently right now across the ocean. A river running inside the sea.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'currant' (the small dried fruit).
Fun facts
- The Antarctic Circumnavigation Current moves more than 100 times the water flow of all the rivers on Earth combined.
Related words
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