Tributary
/ˈtrɪbjəˌtɛri/noun
A stream or river that flows into a larger river, or something that contributes to a larger whole.
Did you know?Its root is tied to Latin tribuere, “to assign, allot, grant,” the same ancient idea behind tribute, so a river tributary is literally a stream that “pays in” to the main river.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*treb-
“to settle, dwell, establish”
Latin
Latin
tribuere
“to assign, allot, grant”
Late Latin
Latin
tributarius
“relating to tribute; paying tribute”
Old French
Old French
tributaire
“paying tribute; subject to tribute”
15th Century
English
tributary
“paying tribute; owing allegiance or contribution”
Modern English
English
tributary
“a stream flowing into a larger river; contributing to a larger whole”
Explore more surprising origins