trib·u·tary /ˈtrɪbjəˌtɛri/
 (a.)納貢的,從屬的,補助的納貢者,屬國,支流
 trib·u·tary /ˈtrɪbjəˌtɛrɪ/ 名詞
 (河道的)支流,附庸
 tributary
 區間幹線
 tributary
 支流
 Trib·u·ta·ry a.
 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.”
 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.
 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.
 ◄ ►
 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]
      n : a branch that flows into the main stream [syn: feeder, affluent]
          [ant: distributary]