noun a river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake
adjective of or relating to a tributary
In civil engineering, the concept of tributaries is important for designing infrastructure such as bridges and dams that need to account for the flow of water in rivers.
Tributaries play a key role in supporting biodiversity by providing habitats for various species of plants and animals.
A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger stream or river. It is an important term in geography to describe the flow of water in a river system.
In hydrology, tributaries are vital for understanding the overall water flow and drainage patterns of a river basin.
In literature, a tributary can be used metaphorically to describe a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one, symbolizing influence or inspiration.
In psychology, the term tributary may be used metaphorically to describe contributing factors or influences that lead to a particular behavior or outcome.
Geographers may use the term tributary to refer to a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger body of water, such as a lake or ocean.
Environmental scientists may use the term tributary to describe a smaller river or stream that feeds into a larger ecosystem, impacting the overall health and biodiversity of the area.