1. In the direction of a stream's current
   "The salmon swam downstream to reach the ocean"
    
2. Occurring at a later stage in a process or closer to the end user
   "Downstream processing costs increased significantly"
    
3. (genetics) located after a particular point in the direction of gene expression
   "The downstream regulatory elements control transcription"

1. Away from the source or with the current
   "The boat floated downstream";
   - downriver
    
2. At a later stage in a process or sequence
   "The effects of the decision rippled downstream throughout the organization"

Antonym: upstream

Encyclopedia: Downstream