Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
distributary
noun
/dɪsˈtrɪbjʊtəri/
Definition
A distributary is a stream or river that branches off from a larger river and flows away from it, typically into a lake or another river.
Examples
- The Ganges River has several distributaries that spread water across the floodplains.
- After heavy rains, the distributary of the river overflowed, creating new wetlands.
- Many deltas are formed by the presence of numerous distributaries.
Meaning
Distributaries help distribute the flow of water from a main river to various areas.
Synonyms
- branch
- channel
- offshoot
