Main Entry: ¹trib·u·tary

Pronunciation: \ˈtri-byə-ˌter-ē\

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 : paying tribute to another to acknowledge submission, to obtain protection, or to purchase peace : subject
2 : paid or owed as tribute <tributary gifts>
3 : channeling material or supplies into something more inclusive : contributory