drift Definition

drift
noun

1. geol.
Superficial deposits of rock material that have been carried from their place of origin by glaciers.
2. geol.
continental drift.
3. A general movement or tendency to move.

Thesaurus: inclination, trend, tendency, bent, effort, movement, push.
4. The movement of a stretch of sea in the direction of a prevailing wind.
5. Degree of movement off course caused by wind or a current.
6. The general or essential meaning of something.

Thesaurus: intention, tenor, object, thrust, end, design, gist, implication, significance, import.

verb, intr drifted, drifting

1. To float or be blown along or into heaps.

Thesaurus: float, waft.
2. To move aimlessly or passively from one place or occupation to another.
3. To move off course.

Thesaurus: wander, stray, meander.

Etymology: 13c: Norse, meaning ‘snowdrift'.