branch

¹

[ branch, brahnch ]

noun

1. a division or subdivision of the stem or axis of a tree, shrub, or other plant.

   Synonyms: shoot, offshoot

2. a limb, offshoot, or ramification of any main stem:

   the branches of a deer's antlers.

3. any member or part of a body or system; a section or subdivision:

   the various branches of learning.

4. a local operating division of a business, library, or the like.
5. a line of family descent stemming from a particular ancestor, as distinguished from some other line or lines from the same stock; a division of a family.
6. a tributary stream or any stream that is not a large river or a bayou.
7. Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. branch water ( def 2 ).
8. Linguistics. (in the classification of related languages within a family) a category of a lower order than a subfamily and of a higher order than a subbranch or a group, as the Germanic branch of Indo-European. Compare group ( def 4a ).
9. Computers. a point in a computer program where the computer selects one of two or more instructions to execute, according to some criterion.
10. Nautical. a warrant or license permitting a pilot to navigate in certain waters.

verb (used without object)

1. to put forth branches; spread in branches.
2. to divide into separate parts or subdivisions; diverge:

   The main road branches off to the left.

   Synonyms: subdivide, ramify

3. to expand or extend, as business activities:

   The bank has plans to branch throughout the state.

verb (used with object)

1. to divide into branches or sections.
2. to adorn with needlework; decorate with embroidery, as in textile fabrics.

verb phrase

1. to expand or extend, as business activities, pursuits, interests, etc.:

   The business is branching out into computers.

-branch

²

1. a combining form for forming nouns and adjectives that denote gill formations or animals having gill formations.

branch-

¹

combining form

1. (in zoology) indicating gills

   lamellibranch

branch

²

/ brɑːntʃ /

noun

1. a secondary woody stem arising from the trunk or bough of a tree or the main stem of a shrub
2. a subdivision of the stem or root of any other plant
3. an offshoot or secondary part

   a branch of a deer's antlers

4. 1. a subdivision or subsidiary section of something larger or more complex

      branches of learning

      branch of the family

   2. ( as modifier )

      a branch office

5. any small stream
6. maths a section of a curve separated from the rest of the curve by discontinuities or special points
7. Also calledjump computing a departure from the normal sequence of programmed instructions into a separate program area
8. an alternative route in an atomic or nuclear decay series

verb

1. intr (of a tree or other plant) to produce or possess branches
2. intrusually foll byfrom (of stems, roots, etc) to grow and diverge (from another part)
3. to divide or be divided into subsidiaries or offshoots
4. introften foll byoff to diverge from the main way, road, topic, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈbranchˌlike, adjective
• ˈbranchless, adjective
• ˈbranchy, adjective

Other Words From

• branchless adjective
• branchlike adjective
• inter·branch adjective
• multi·branched adjective
• outbranch verb (used with object)
• un·branched adjective
• un·branching adjective
• under·branch noun
• well-branched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of branch¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English bra(u)nche, from Anglo-French; Old French branche, from Late Latin branca “paw,” of uncertain origin

Origin of branch²

< French -branche, New Latin -branchia, from Latin branchiae “gills” ( branchia ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of branch¹

from Latin: branchia

Origin of branch²

C13: from Old French branche , from Late Latin branca paw, foot

Idioms and Phrases

• olive branch
• root and branch

Synonym Study

Branch, bough, limb refer to divisions of a tree. Branch is general, meaning either a large or a small division. Bough refers only to the larger branches: a bough loaded with apples. A limb is a large primary division of a tree trunk or of a bough: to climb out on a limb.

Example Sentences

Opponents argue against their routine use, and members of the Senate are historically protective of their role as a check on the executive branch.

From Los Angeles Times

The Senate has a long tradition of protecting its status, as one of two houses in Congress, as part of a co-equal branch of government, even if the president is in the same party.

From Los Angeles Times

The relationship of the executive branch and the military has always been a balancing act.

From Los Angeles Times

However, federal law bars executive branch employees, which can include unpaid consultants from participating in government matters that will affect their financial interests, unless they divest of their interests or recuse themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

The union said it would be holding a branch meeting on Friday as the university's financial situation was "now a priority for all our members."

From BBC

Related Words

• arm
• bureau
• chapter
• division
• member
• office
• section
• subsidiary
• wing