drift
noun
- 1
(physical) Movement; that which moves or is moved.
- 2
The act or motion of drifting; the force which impels or drives; an overpowering influence or impulse.
- 3
A place (a ford) along a river where the water is shallow enough to permit crossing to the opposite side.
- 4
The tendency of an act, argument, course of conduct, or the like; object aimed at or intended; intention; hence, also, import or meaning of a sentence or discourse; aim.
- 5
The horizontal thrust or pressure of an arch or vault upon the abutments.
- 6
(handiwork) A tool.
- 7
A deviation from the line of fire, peculiar to oblong projectiles.
- 8
Minor deviation of audio or video playback from its correct speed.
- 9
The situation where a performer gradually and unintentionally moves from their proper location within the scene.
- 10
A passage driven or cut between shaft and shaft; a driftway; a small subterranean gallery; an adit or tunnel.
- 11
Movement.
- 12
A sideways movement of the ball through the air, when bowled by a spin bowler.
- 13
Slow, cumulative change.
“genetic drift”
verb
- 1
To move slowly, especially pushed by currents of water, air, etc.
“The balloon was drifting in the breeze.”
- 2
To move haphazardly without any destination.
“He drifted from town to town, never settling down.”
- 3
To deviate gently from the intended direction of travel.
“This car tends to drift left at high speeds.”
- 4
To drive or carry, as currents do a floating body.
- 5
To drive into heaps.
“A current of wind drifts snow or sand”
- 6
To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be driven into heaps.
“Snow or sand drifts.”
- 7
To make a drift; to examine a vein or ledge for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of metals or ores; to follow a vein; to prospect.
- 8
To enlarge or shape, as a hole, with a drift.
- 9
To oversteer a vehicle, causing loss of traction, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner. See Drifting (motorsport).
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