afflux
(ˈæflʌks)
[ad. med.L. afflux-us, n. of action f. afflu-ĕre: see afflue. Cf. mod.Fr. afflux, perh. the direct source of the Eng.]
1. A flowing towards a point; esp. in Med. of humours; also by extension, of air, a crowd of people, etc.
| 1611 Cotgr., Afflux, an Afflux or Affluence, plentifull access. 1635 N. Carpenter Geogr. Delin. ii. vi. 82 The Affluxe and Refluxe of the Sea—is generall throughout the whole Ocean. 1661 Lovell Anim. & Min. 354 Tubercles of the lungs..are caused by the afflux or congestion of matter. 1794 Sullivan View of Nat. I. 175 There is no need of the afflux of vital air. 1872 Pall Mall G. 1 Aug. 10 The afflux of purchasers has much more than doubled. |
2. That which flows into any place; an accession.
| 1661 J. Graunt Bills of Mort. (J.) The cause hereof..must be by new affluxes to London out of the country. 1859 Todd Cycl. Anat. & Phys. V. 355/1 At this period, they [i.e. the villi] receive an increased afflux of blood. |