Distributary vs. Tributary

Distributary vs. Tributary — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Distributary and Tributary

Distributaryadjective

That distributes.

Tributarynoun

A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.

Distributarynoun

(hydrology) A stream of water (either natural or artificial) that branches off and flows away from a main stream channel.

Tributarynoun

A nation, state, or other entity that pays tribute.

Distributarynoun

a branch of a river that flows away from the main stream and does not rejoin it

Tributaryadjective

Related to the paying of tribute.

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Tributaryadjective

subordinate; inferior

Tributaryadjective

Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing.

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

Tributarynoun

a branch that flows into the main stream

Tributaryadjective

of a stream; flowing into a larger stream

Tributaryadjective

paying tribute;

a tributary colony

Tributaryadjective

tending to bring about; being partly responsible for;

working conditions are not conducive to productivitythe seaport was a contributing factor in the growth of the citya contributory factor
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