Mainstream

Mainstream

Noun / Adjective / Verb · /ˈmeɪn.striːm/

Definition

(Noun) the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend or current in opinion, culture, or society; (Adjective) belonging to or characteristic of the mainstream; (Verb) to bring into or include in the mainstream, especially in education.

Origin

From main (principal, chief) + stream (a flow of water, from Old English stream). Originally literal — the main current of a river. The figurative sense developed in the 19th century to mean the dominant current of opinion or culture. The educational use — mainstreaming disabled students — developed in the 20th century.