■ noun
1》 a part of a tree which grows out from the trunk or a bough.
2》 a part of a river, road, or railway that extends from the main participle
3》 a division of a large organization.
↘a subdivision of a subject, group of languages, etc.
■ verb
1》 (of a road or path) divide into one or more subdivisions.
2》 (of a tree or plant) bear or send out ~es.
3》 ( ~ out ) extend one's activities or interests in a new direction.
Derivatives
~let noun
~-like adjective
~y adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~e , from late L. branca 'paw'.