Tributary

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈtrɪbjÊŠtÉ™ri/

Origin

From Middle English tributarie ("paying tribute"), from Latin tributarius, from tributum ("tribute").

Full definition of tributary

Noun

1. (river) A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.
2. A nation, state, or other entity that pays tribute.

Synonyms

• (stream which flows into a larger one) affluent

Adjective

1. Related to the paying of tribute.
2. subordinate; inferior
• Miltonto grace his tributary gods
3. Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing.The Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.

Related terms

• tribute