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View synonyms for

tributary

[ trib-yuh-ter-ee ]

noun

plural tributaries.
  1. a stream that flows to a larger stream or other body of water.
  2. a person or nation that pays tribute in acknowledgment of subjugation or the like.


adjective

  1. (of a stream) flowing into a larger stream or other body of water.
  2. furnishing subsidiary aid; contributory.
  3. paying or required to pay tribute.
  4. paid as tribute.
  5. subject; subordinate:

    a tributary nation.

tributary

/ -trɪ; ˈtrɪbjʊtərɪ /

noun

  1. a stream, river, or glacier that feeds another larger one
  2. a person, nation, or people that pays tribute
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. (of a stream, etc) feeding a larger stream
  2. given or owed as a tribute
  3. paying tribute
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

tributary

  1. A stream that flows into a river, a larger stream, or a lake.
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٰܳٲ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ٰu·ٲi· adverb
  • ԴDz·ٰu·ٲy adjective
  • un·ٰu·ٲi· adverb
  • ܲ·ٰu·ٲy adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tributary1

1325–75; Middle English (adj. and noun) < Latin ٰūܲ of tribute, one who pays tribute. See tribute, -ary
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Will India be able to stop the Indus river and two of its tributaries from flowing into Pakistan?

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It is mostly fed by tributaries on the Mexican side, so Mexico can control how much water it contributes to the river.

From

It explained the canal, which once transported iron and coal to Newport docks, had relied on funnelling water from the River Usk and its tributaries which accounted for 80-90% of its water supply.

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It is estimated that 11% of the rubbish which enters the River Clyde - which flows through the city - and its tributaries is eventually washed up at Arrochar.

From

Biologists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have spotted fall-run Chinook salmon in tributaries miles upstream from where Iron Gate Dam was removed.

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