tributary
Translation
tributary
Examples
The Ohio River is a tributary of the Mississippi River.
The Ohio River is a tributary of the Mississippi River.
Grammar Patterns
a tributary of ((sth.)) a smaller river that flows into a larger one The Ohio River is a tributary of the Mississippi River.
Similar Words
Synonyms: branch, feeder, affluent
Etymology
From Latin 'tributarius', meaning 'paying tribute'. A smaller river 'pays tribute' with its water to a larger one.
Memory Tips
Imagine a smaller stream 'paying tribute' (giving its water) to a king-like main river.