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Tributaries

Streams or rivers flowing into a larger body of water.

Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that flow into a larger river or lake.

Pronunciation

/ˈtrɪbjʊəriz/

Etymology

From Old French tributarius, from Latin tributum 'a tribute,' from tribuere 'to assign, allot.'

Explain Like I’m 5

Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that flow into bigger ones, like how a small creek joins a large river.

Fun Facts

The Missouri River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River
Some tributaries flow year-round, while others are seasonal
Tributaries help shape landscapes through erosion and deposition

FAQ

What is a tributary? A smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one
How do tributaries affect rivers? They contribute water and sediment to the main river
Can a river have multiple tributaries? Yes, rivers often have many smaller streams flowing into them

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

affluents feeders

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

water body river

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

creeks streams

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

river system watershed

Indexes

geographical feature natural object

Related

Built by Tim Jones