upstream

Meanings

1. In a direction against the flow of a current or stream of fluid (typically water); upriver.
2. Occurring earlier than something else; (also, usually, especially) being an influence on something else; causing a consequence for something else.
3. Involving exploration and pre-production rather than refining and selling.
4. In the direction from the client to the server.
5. Maintained, owned, or associated with the original developers of the given software; in contrast to a modified version downstream.
6. Towards the leading end (5′ end) of a DNA molecule.

1. Against the current.

1. To stream upward.
2. To have (a software library, patch, etc.) accepted by the original developers of the related software, so that they maintain and distribute it.

1. Part of the river towards the upstream direction.
2. The original developers or maintainers of software.

Etymology

From up- + stream.

Translations