Meaning & Definition of word "Tributary"
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Tributary
/ˈtrɪb.jʊ.tər.i/
noun:
- 1. A stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake.
- Example: The Mississippi River has many tributaries, including the Missouri River.
- 2. A branch of a river.
- Example: We followed the tributary that led us to a beautiful hidden waterfall.
- 3. Something that contributes to a larger whole.
- Example: The small donations acted as tributaries to the larger fundraising campaign.
Etymology
Middle English tributarie, from Latin tributarius meaning 'contributing, supplying'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
tributary river:
A river that flows into a larger river.
tributary system:
A network of smaller streams flowing into a larger body of water.
Related Words
confluence:
The point where two rivers meet.
delta:
An area of land at the mouth of a river where it meets a larger body of water.
Slang Meanings of tributary
Meaning: Typically refers to someone or something that contributes to a larger effort.
Example Sentence: He's a tributary in the team effort, always supporting us.