What term describes the winding pattern of a river as it flows downstream?

The term that describes the winding pattern of a river as it flows downstream is "meandering." Meandering refers specifically to the natural curves and bends formed as water erodes the riverbanks and deposits sediment in a dynamic and balanced way. This winding path is typical of the lower course of a river, where the landscape is flatter and the flow of water allows for these gentle turns.

The process of meandering is influenced by various factors, including the river's speed, the type of soil it flows over, and the gradient of the land. The result is a series of curves, or loops, that characterize many river systems and contribute to the river's overall shape and ecological diversity.

The other terms do not capture the specific geomorphological characteristic conveyed by "meandering." While "curving" and "bending" might describe the general appearance of a river's shape, they do not reflect the scientific understanding of how those shapes form over time due to hydraulic and sedimentary processes. "Sinuosity" refers to the degree of meandering or the measure of the winding nature of the river, but it is a more technical term that represents a ratio, rather than the actual phenomenon of meandering itself.