adjective
confluent
KON-floo-uhnt
Confluent (adjective) means flowing or merging together into one, especially of streams, rivers or currents. Example: “The two confluent rivers meet just below the old bridge.”
adjective
1
Flowing or merging together into one, especially of streams, rivers or currents.
"The two confluent rivers meet just below the old bridge."
"Confluent streams of traffic backed up at the junction."
2
medicine Of a rash, lesions or blisters: so numerous that they run into one another and form continuous patches.
"By the third day the spots had become confluent across his chest."
3
biology Of cultured cells: grown until they cover the whole surface of the dish and touch on all sides.
"Split the cells once the monolayer is about eighty per cent confluent."
How to use confluent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRunning together into one.
When to use it
Formal or technical. Everyday speech uses 'merging' or 'joining' instead.
Memory tip
Do not confuse confluent with affluent (wealthy) or effluent (waste liquid) — all three share the Latin root for 'flow', but only confluent means flowing together.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
confluent rivers
confluent rash
eighty per cent confluent
confluent lesions
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like confluent.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two _____ rivers meet just below the old bridge.
Etymology
From Latin confluentem, the present participle of confluere 'to flow together', formed from con- 'together' and fluere 'to flow'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for confluent
See all rhymes for confluent →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between confluent and confluence?
Confluent is the adjective describing things that flow together, and confluence is the noun for the act or the place where they meet. Two rivers are confluent at their confluence.
What does confluent mean in cell culture?
It means the cells have multiplied until they cover the entire growth surface and are in contact with their neighbours. Cultures are usually passaged before reaching full confluence because crowded cells stop dividing normally.
What does a confluent rash mean?
It means individual spots have grown or multiplied enough to merge into large solid areas of redness rather than staying separate. It is often noted as a sign that a rash is progressing.
What is the meaning of confluent?
"confluent" (adjective) means flowing or merging together into one, especially of streams, rivers or currents.
