'Tributary' definitions:

Definition of 'tributary'

(from WordNet)
adjective
(of a stream) flowing into a larger stream
adjective
Paying tribute; "a tributary colony"
adjective
Tending to bring about; being partly responsible for; "working conditions are not conducive to productivity"; "the seaport was a contributing factor in the growth of the city"; "a contributory factor" [syn: conducive, contributing(a), contributive, contributory, tributary]
noun
A branch that flows into the main stream [syn: feeder, tributary, confluent, affluent] [ant: distributary]

Definition of 'Tributary'

From: GCIDE
  • Tributary \Trib"u*ta*ry\, a. [OE. tributaire, F. tributaire, L. tributarius. See Tribute.]
  • 1. Paying tribute to another, either from compulsion, as an acknowledgment of submission, or to secure protection, or for the purpose of purchasing peace. [1913 Webster]
  • [Julius] unto Rome made them tributary. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Hence, subject; subordinate; inferior. [1913 Webster]
  • He to grace his tributary gods. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Paid in tribute. "Tributary tears." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing; as, the Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi. [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Tributary'

From: GCIDE
  • Tributary \Trib"u*ta*ry\, n.; pl. Tributaries.
  • 1. A ruler or state that pays tribute, or a stated sum, to a conquering power, for the purpose of securing peace and protection, or as an acknowledgment of submission, or for the purchase of security. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A stream or river flowing into a larger river or into a lake; an affluent. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'tributary'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Tributary'