runoff
UK: ˈrʌnɒf | US: ˈrʌnɔːf
n. 1. The draining away of water (or substances carried by it) from the surface of an area.
n. 2. A secondary election held to determine a winner when no candidate receives a majority.
n. 3. The portion of rainfall or irrigation that flows over the ground and into streams.
The word "runoff" combines "run," derived from Old English rinnan (to flow, move swiftly), and "off," from Old English of (away, down). Originally literal (water flowing away), it later extended to elections (votes "flowing" to a decisive round). The logic mirrors natural and procedural "flows."
Heavy rain caused runoff to flood the streets.
The senate seat will be decided in a runoff next month.
Farmers use terraces to reduce soil erosion from runoff.
The runoff election narrowed the field to two candidates.
Chemical runoff from factories can pollute rivers.