Webster's English Dictionary

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branch

Cross references:
  1. shoot                 
 
1. branch \'branch\ \'brancht\ \'branch-l*s\ \'bran-che-\ n [ME, fr. OF 
   branche, fr. LL branca paw] often attrib  1: a natural subdivision of a 
   plant stem; esp : a secondary shoot o r stem (as a bough) arising from a 
   main axis (as of a tree) 2: something that extends from or enters into a 
   main body or source : as  2a1: a stream that flows into another usu. larger 
   stream : TRIBUTARYM South & Midland  2a2: CREEK  2b: a side road or way  
   2c: a slender projection (as the tine of an antler)  2d: a part of a curve 
   separated from others  3: a part of a complex body : as  3a: a division of 
   a family descending from a particular ancestor  3b: an area of knowledge 
   apart from related areas  3c1: a division of an organization  3c2: a 
   separate but dependent part of a central organization  3d: a language group 
   less inclusive than a family  - branched aj
2. branch vi 1: to put forth branches : RAMIFY  2: to spring out (as from a 
   main stem) : DIVERGE  3: to be an outgrowth - used with from  4: to extend 
   activities - usu. used with out  1: to ornament with designs of branches  
   2: to divide up : SECTION