No. 562 in French

courant

"Courant" in English means "current" (as in flow, trend, or up-to-date).

In a sentence

Le courant dans la rivière est très fort aujourd'hui.
The current in the river is very strong today.
Here, 'courant' is used as a noun referring to the flow of water in a river.
Elle est au courant des dernières nouvelles.
She is aware of the latest news.
In this sentence, 'au courant' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'aware' or 'informed' about something.
C'est un livre très courant dans les écoles.
It is a very common book in schools.
'Courant' is used here as an adjective meaning 'common' or 'frequently encountered'.

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