[trib-yuh-ter-ee] 
noun, plural -tar⋅ies, adjective | 1. | a stream that flows to a larger stream or other body of water. |
| 2. | a person or nation that pays tribute in acknowledgment of subjugation or the like. |
| 3. | (of a stream) flowing into a larger stream or other body of water. |
| 4. | furnishing subsidiary aid; contributory. |
| 5. | paying or required to pay tribute. |
| 6. | paid as tribute. |
| 7. | subject; subordinate: a tributary nation. |
| tributary (trĭb'yə-těr'ē) Pronunciation Key
A stream that flows into a river, a larger stream, or a lake. |
yəˌtɛr