Definition of TRIBUTARY

tributary

Meanings

Plural: tributaries

Noun

  • a branch that flows into the main stream
  • A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.
  • A vein which drains into another vein.
  • A nation, state, or other entity that pays tribute.

Adjective Satellite

  • (of a stream) flowing into a larger stream
  • paying tribute
    • "a tributary colony"
  • tending to bring about; being partly responsible for

Adj

  • Related to the paying of tribute.
  • Subordinate; inferior.
  • Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing.

Origin / Etymology

PIE word
*tréyes
From Middle English tributarie (“paying tribute”), from Latin tribūtārius, from tribūtum (“tribute”).

Antonyms

distributary

Scrabble Score: 14

tributary is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
tributary is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
tributary is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 15

tributary is a valid Words With Friends word