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tributary

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The definition of a tributary is a steam that flows into a larger body of water.

(noun)

An example of a tributary is a stream that empties into an ocean.

Tributary means paying tribute or contributory.

(adjective)

An example of tributary used as an adjective is the phrase tributary gifts which are gifts which are given to pay tribute to someone.

See tributary in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

paying tribute
under another's control; subject: a tributary nation
in the nature of tribute; owed or paid as tribute
1. making additions or furnishing supplies; contributory
2. flowing into a larger one: a tributary stream

Origin: ME tributarie < L tributarius

noun pl. tributaries

a tributary nation or ruler
a tributary stream or river

Related Forms:

tributarily adverb

See tributary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Making additions or yielding supplies; contributory.
Paid in tribute.
Paying tribute: a tributary colony.

noun pl. trib·u·tar·ies

A stream that flows into a larger stream or other body of water.
A ruler or nation that pays tribute.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English tributarie, paying tribute

Origin: , from Latin tribūtārius

Origin: , from tribūtum, tribute; see tribute

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