Ecology. a plant or animal that has an important effect on the biotic balance in a community.
Origin
1400-50;late Middle English < Latininfluent- (stem of influēns) inflowing. See in-2, fluent
Examples from the web for influent
influent characteristics were generally similar to other typical treatment plants with weak influent.
All other inspection results were also within applicable effluent limits and influent overloading limits.
At the time of these first reports, no suitable methods were available for sewage influent, effluent and sludge.
Beryllium, nickel, and thallium were not present above detection limits in the treatment plant influent.
The influent and effluent sampling is used to calculate removal efficiencies in the development of local limits.
British Dictionary definitions for influent
influent
/ˈɪnflʊənt/
adjective
1.
flowing in
noun
2.
something flowing in, esp a tributary
3.
(ecology) an organism that has a major effect on the nature of its community
Word Origin and History for influent
adj.
mid-15c., "abundant," in reference to occult power of the stars, etc., also of grace, from Latin influentem (nominative influens), present participle of influere "to flow in" (see influence).