distributary

[ dih-strib-yoo-ter-ee ]
/ dɪˈstrɪb yʊˌtɛr i /

noun, plural dis·trib·u·tar·ies.

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

Origin of distributary

First recorded in 1535–45; distribute + -ary

Words nearby distributary

distress sale, distress signal, distressed, distressed area, distressful, distributary, distribute, distributed, distributed array processor, distributed data processing, distributed logic

British Dictionary definitions for distributary

distributary
/ (dɪˈstrɪbjʊtərɪ, -trɪ) /

noun plural -taries

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

Scientific definitions for distributary

distributary
[ dĭ-strĭb′yə-tĕr′ē ]

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