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
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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
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
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
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