downdrift

English

Etymology

down- +‎ drift

Noun

downdrift (plural downdrifts)

1. (phonetics) A lowering (over time) of the pitch of the tones of a tonal language.

Adverb

downdrift (not comparable)

1. On the downward side of a drift.

   A groyne promotes the build-up of sediment on its updrift side, and reduces erosion on the downdrift side.