Definition of branch
1 botany : a natural subdivision of a plant stem; especially : a secondary shoot or stem (such as a bough) arising from a main axis (as of a tree) pruning the tree's lower branches a swing mounted on a tree branch
2 : something that extends from or enters into a main body or source: such asa (1) : a stream that flows into another usually larger stream : tributary the river's smaller branches (2) Southern & Midland : creek 2b : a side road or way the railroad's branch linec : a slender projection (such as the tine of an antler) the branches of a menorahd mathematics : a distinctive part of a mathematical curve (see 3curve 1a(2))e computers : a part of a computer program executed as a result of a program decision
3 : a part of a complex body: such asa : a division of a family descending from a particular ancestor the Iranian branch of the familyb : an area of knowledge that may be considered apart from related areas orthopedics and other branches of medicine syntax is a branch of linguisticsc (1) : a division of an organization a branch of the armed services the government's legislative and executive branches (2) : a separate but dependent part of a central organization the neighborhood branch of the city libraryd linguistics : a language group less inclusive than a family (see 1family 4c) the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family
From the M-W Editors
Examples of branch in a Sentence
birds singing from the branches of a tree
The bank has a new branch in our area.
She works at the branch office downtown.
Origin and Etymology of branch
Middle English, from Anglo-French branche, from Late Latin branca paw
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Botany Terms
branch
Definition of branch
intransitive verb
1 botany : to put forth secondary shoots or stems : to put forth branches (see 1branch 1) : ramify an elm branching out over the rooftop
2 : to extend in different directions from a main part or point : to spring out (as from a main stem) : diverge where the spring branches off from the river
3 : to develop or derive from a source : to be an outgrowth —used with from poetry that branched from religious prose
4 : to extend activities —usually used with out the business is branching out into formal wear
5 computers : to follow one of two or more parts of a computer program executed as a result of a program decision : to follow one of two or more branches (see 1branch 2e)
transitive verb
1 : to ornament with designs of branches (see 1branch 1) branched velvet
2 : to divide up : section
Examples of branch in a Sentence
The stream branches from the river near their house.
threads branched from the center of the spider web
Origin and Etymology of branch
see 1branch
First Known Use: 14th century
BRANCH Defined for English Language Learners
branch
playDefinition of branch for English Language Learners
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: a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk
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: a local office or shop of a company or organization
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: a major part of a government
branch
Definition of branch for English Language Learners
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: to divide into smaller parts : to separate into branches
BRANCH Defined for Kids
Definition of branch for Students
1 : a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk or from a main division of the trunk
2 : something extending from a main line or body like a branch a branch of a railroad
3 : a division or subordinate part of something a branch of government The bank opened a new branch.
branched
\ˈbrancht\ adjectiveDefinition of branch for Students
branched
;branching
: to spread or divide into smaller or attached parts : send out a branch It was a long corridor and it branched into other corridors … — Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
Medical Dictionary
branch
playMedical Definition of branch
1: something that extends from or enters into a main body or source a branch of an artery
2: an area of knowledge that may be considered apart from related areas pathology is a branch of medicine
branch
intransitive verbLaw Dictionary
branch
Legal Definition of branch
: a part of a complex body: as a : one of the three main divisions of the U.S. or a state government — see also executive, judiciary, legislature b : a division of a business or organization an insurer's branch office — see also branch bank at bank
Learn More about branch
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See words that rhyme with branch Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for branch Spanish Central: Translation of branch Nglish: Translation of branch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of branch for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about branch
Seen and Heard
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