outflow
UK: ˈaʊtfləʊ | US: ˈaʊtfloʊ
n. the movement of something (e.g., liquid, money, people) outward from a source
n. the amount that flows out
vi. to flow outward
The word "outflow" combines the Old English prefix "out-" (meaning "away from" or "external") with the verb "flow," derived from Old English "flōwan" (to move like a liquid). The term emerged in Middle English to describe the literal movement of liquids outward, later expanding to abstract concepts like capital or migration. The logic is straightforward: "out" defines direction, while "flow" describes the action, making it easy to visualize and remember.
The river's outflow into the ocean creates a fertile delta.
The central bank monitors the outflow of foreign currency.
During the crisis, there was a significant outflow of skilled workers.
The dam controls the outflow of water to prevent flooding.
The company reported a cash outflow of $2 million last quarter.