tributary
tributary Lexical Profile
tributary Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A freshwater river or stream that flows into a larger river, main stem, or lake rather than directly into a sea or ocean.
"The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River system."
A historical state, ruler, or person that pays tribute to a more powerful sovereign or nation in exchange for protection or autonomy.
"As a tributary of the neighbouring empire, the small province sent annual shipments of silver and grain to the capital."
• adjective
Flowing into a larger river, stream, or lake (of a stream, river, or glacier).
"Meltwater from the tributary glaciers steadily raises the water level of the main valley river each spring."
Paying tribute to another ruler or state, or subject to and dependent on a dominant power.
"The empire maintained peace along its borders by establishing a network of tributary kingdoms."
Serving to supply, support, or contribute to something larger; auxiliary or contributory.
"The manufacturing hub relies on dozens of tributary industries for raw materials and specialized parts."
Word Nuance & Usage
In hydrography, do not confuse 'tributary' (a stream that flows into a larger river or lake) with 'distributary' (a branch that flows away from a main river channel, typically in a delta).
• Rhymes for tributary
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'tributarius' ('liable to pay tribute'), from 'tributum' ('tribute, a stated payment'). The geographical sense of a smaller river 'paying tribute' by feeding its waters into a larger river emerged in the early 16th century.