noun

1. any woody extension growing from the trunk or main stem, or from a main limb, of a tree or shrub
2. anything physically resembling a branch, as a tine of a deer's antler
3. ☆
   1. one of the streams into which a river or large creek may divide, usually near the mouth
   2. a large tributary flowing into a river
4. ☆ Chiefly South a small stream flowing usually into a creek
5. ☆ branch water
6. any part or extension of a main body or system; specif.,
   1. a division or part of a body of learning optics is a branch of physics
   2. a division of a family descending from a common ancestor
   3. a subdivision of a family of languages
   4. a division or a separately located unit of an organization a library branch
   5. a post-office subdivision outside the community where its main post office is located
   6. Comput. a jump (), esp. one that selects one of two or more alternative instructions as the next executed

Etymology: ME branche < OFr brance < LL branca, a claw, paw

intransitive verb

1. to put forth branches; spread in or divide into branches; ramify
2. to come out (from the trunk or stem) as a branch
3. Comput. to continue at an instruction in another part of the program by means of a branch ()

transitive verb

1. to separate into branches
2. to embroider with a pattern of flowers, foliage, etc.