SINCE 1828

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distributary

noun dis·trib·u·tary \ di-ˈstri-byə-ˌter-ē , -ˌte-rē \

Definition of distributary

plural distributaries

: a river branch flowing away from the main stream

See distributary defined for kids

Recent Examples of distributary from the Web

In 1831, a pathway was dredged between a distributary of the Mississippi and the Red, leading to the formation of the present Atchafalaya river channel.

— mark schleifstein, NOLA.com, "Rising river bottom could switch Mississippi to Atchafalaya riverbed in next mega flood," 12 Dec. 2017
Saline water has long been invading the delta, but because of the drought there is not enough fresh water in the river and its distributaries to dilute the seawater.

— jane perlez, New York Times, "Drought and ‘Rice First’ Policy Imperil Vietnamese Farmers," 28 May 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distributary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of distributary

1863

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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