tributary

(noun, adjective)

adjective

1. (of a stream) flowing into a larger stream

Similar word(s): secondary

2. paying tribute

- a tributary colony

Similar word(s): obligated

3. tending to bring about; being partly responsible for

- the seaport was a contributing factor in the growth of the city

- a contributory factor

Similar word(s): causative, conducive, contributing, contributive, contributory

Sentences with tributary as an adjective:

- The Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.

noun

1. a branch that flows into the main stream

Similar word(s): affluent, confluent, feeder

Definition categories: object, branch