Meanings
dark flow1
plural dark flows
- countableuncountableastrophysicsA possible non-random component of the peculiar velocity of galaxy clusters.
dark flow2
- uncountablegamblingA state of flow experienced in gambling, especially by slot machine players; a state of intense focus and absorption on gambling.
We propose that players who experience dark flow have difficulty staying on task in everyday life, but, the reinforcing sights and sounds of slot machines rein in these otherwise wandering minds and induce these flow-like states
2019, Mike J. Dixon, Jeffrey Gutierrez, Madison Stange, Chanel J. Larche, Candice Graydon, Sonia Vintan, Tyler B. Kruger, “Mindfulness Problems and Depression Symptoms in Everyday Life Predict Dark Flow During Slots Play: Implications for Gambling as a Form of Escape”, in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, →DOI
Origin
dark flow · noun
From dark (“hidden”) + flow. From the motion of galaxy clusters due to a hidden influence, possibly from beyond the horizon of the observable universe.
Full word history & related roots →dark flow · noun
From dark (“sinister”) + flow (“state of focus”).
Full word history & related roots →Translations
Polish ciemny przepływ
- ciemny przepływpossible non-random component of the peculiar velocity of galaxy clusters
Cite this entry
dark flow. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dark%20flow
“dark flow.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dark%20flow. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “dark flow,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dark%20flow.
Source: dark flow on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.