drift Meaning and Definition

1. n. a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

2. n. the pervading meaning or tenor

3. n. a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

4. n. something that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

5. n. a force that moves something along

6. n. the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

7. n. a process of linguistic change over a period of time

8. v. be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

9. v. be subject to fluctuation

10. v. drive slowly and far afield for grazing

11. v. cause to be carried by a current

12. v. move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

13. v. be in motion due to some air or water current

14. v. move in an unhurried fashion

15. v. wander from a direct course or at random

16. v. live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely

17. v. vary or move from a fixed point or course