distributary
noun
an outflowing branch of a stream or river, typically found in a delta (opposed to tributary).
distributaries
-
pluralof distributary.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Had the river been left to its own devices, a super-wet spring like that of 2011 would have sent the Mississippi and its distributaries surging over their banks.
From The New Yorker ● Mar. 25, 2019
Every 1,000 years or so, it abandoned its main channel for one of its distributaries.
From Economist ● Aug. 24, 2017
During flood stages when rivers have lots of water available, it develops distributaries that are separated by sand bars and sand ridges.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017
Streams can be divided into three main sections: the many smaller tributaries in the source area, the main trunk stream in the floodplain and the distributaries at the mouth of the stream.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017
Like other deltaic distributaries, they are subject to sudden changes in their channels, and to constant silting up.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 8 "Hudson River" to "Hurstmonceaux" by Various
