Definition of "Drift" :

noun: a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

"They dug a drift parallel with the vein."

noun: the pervading meaning or tenor

"Caught the general drift of the conversation."

noun: a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

noun: a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

noun: a force that moves something along

noun: the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

noun: a process of linguistic change over a period of time

verb: be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

"Snow drifting several feet high."

verb: be subject to fluctuation

"The stock market drifted upward."

verb: drive slowly and far afield for grazing

"Drift the cattle herds westwards."

verb: cause to be carried by a current

"Drift the boats downstream."

verb: move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

"The laborers drift from one town to the next."

verb: be in motion due to some air or water current

"The boat drifted on the lake."

verb: move in an unhurried fashion

"The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests."

verb: wander from a direct course or at random

"Don't drift from the set course."

verb: live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely

"My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school."

verb: vary or move from a fixed point or course

"Stock prices are drifting higher."