distributary Hear it!

distributary Definition

dis·tribu·tary (di stribyo̵̅o̅ ter′ē)

noun pl. distributaries -·tar′·ies

any branch of a river that flows away from the main stream and does not rejoin it

Etymology: < distribute, by analogy with tributary

distributary Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • channel: Figure 10: Aerial photo of Lillooet delta: note the distinct plunge line and main distributary channels of Lillooet River.