distributary

[ dih-strib-yoo-ter-ee ]

noun

, plural dis·trib·u·tar·ies.

1. an outflowing branch of a stream or river, typically found in a delta ( tributary ).

distributary

/ -trɪ; dɪˈstrɪbjʊtərɪ /

noun

1. one of several outlet streams draining a river, esp on a delta

distributary

/ dĭ-strĭb′yə-tĕr′ē /

1. A branch of a river that flows away from the main stream.
2. One of the channels in a braided stream.

Word History and Origins

Origin of distributary¹

First recorded in 1535–45; distribute + -ary