runoff

plural runoffs · alternative run-off

1. countableuncountableThat portion of precipitation or irrigation on an area which does not infiltrate or evaporate, but instead is discharged from the area.

   The next series of high tides or large waves will tend to rebuild the berm and redam the stream. Ultimately, increased runoff due to fall or winter rains will raise the stream level to the point where it breaks through.

   1994, Ruth Patrick, Rivers of the United States, Estuaries, page 138

2. countableuncountableDissolved chemicals, etc, included in such water.

   The runoff of nitrates is poisoning the lake.

   1 more example

   Toxic runoff from rare earth mines in Myanmar is contaminating rivers that flow into Thailand, threatening the Mekong River and its basin's fisheries and farmland.

   2026 April 29, The Associated Press, “Rare earth mining is poisoning Mekong River tributaries, threatening ‘the world’s kitchen’”, in The Associated Press

3. countableuncountablehobbiesA second or further round of a competition, after other competitors (often all but the last two) have been eliminated.
4. countableuncountablegovernmentA second or further round of an indecisive election, after other candidates (often all but the last two) have been eliminated.

   There will now be a runoff as neither front runner received more than 50% of the vote.

   2 more examples

   It is one of the left's best ever results and will raise momentum for next month's final runoff where only the two candidates will compete against each other.

   2012 April 23, Angelique Chrisafis, “François Hollande on top but far right scores record result in French election”, in The Guardian

   Mr. Macron was unable to command more than a small plurality of support against several opponents in the first round of voting on April 10. Ms. Le Pen, who finished second, is his opponent in the runoff election on Sunday.

   2022 April 21, Michael Crowley, “U.S. Braces for Potential French Election Shockwave”, in The New York Times, →ISSN