| 释义 |
in·flu·ent
I. \ˈinˌflüənt\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin influent-, influens, present participle of influere to flow in — more at influence
1. : flowing in; especially : contributing water to the zone of saturation and thereby sustaining or raising the water table
< influent seepage >
2. archaic : exercising influence
< beneath the influent heavens — Elizabeth B. Browning >
II. noun
(-s)
1. : a tributary stream : affluent; also : a stream or part of a stream that contributes water to the zone of saturation underground
2.
a. : an animal or rarely a plant that has an important effect on the balance and stability of an ecological community
< rabbits and prairie dogs are important influents in some rangelands >
b. : a determining factor in the ecological balance of a human community
< location of home in relation to job is an influent in city growth > |