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Tributary - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Tributary : adj
1: of a stream; flowing into a larger stream
2: paying tribute; "a tributary colony"
3: 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]
(noun)
1: a branch that flows into the main stream [syn: feeder, affluent]
[ant: distributary]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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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.
[Julius] unto Rome made them tributary. --Chaucer.
2. Hence, subject; subordinate; inferior.
He to grace his tributary gods. --Milton.
3. Paid in tribute. ``Tributary tears.'' --Shak.
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.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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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.
2. A stream or river flowing into a larger river or into a
lake; an affluent.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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