[branch] n, often attrib [ME, fr. MF branche, fr. LL branca paw] (14c) 1: a natural subdivision of a plant stem; esp: a secondary shoot or stem (as a bough) arising from a main axis (as of a tree)
2: something that extends from or enters into a main body or source: as a (1): a stream that flows into another usu. larger stream: tributary (2) Southern & Midland: creek
2. b: a side road or way c: a slender projection (as the tine of an antler) d: a distinctive part of a mathematical curve e: a part of a computer program executed as a result of a program decision
3: a part of a complex body: as a: a division of a family descending from a particular ancestor b: an area of knowledge that may be considered apart from related areas "pathology is a ~ of medicine" c (1): a division of an organization (2): a separate but dependent part of a central organization "the neighborhood ~ of the city library" d: a language group less inclusive than a family "the Germanic ~ of the Indo-European language family" -- branched adj -- branch.less adj -- branchy adj
[2]branch vi (14c) 1: to put forth branches: ramify
2: to spring out (as from a main stem): diverge
3: to be an outgrowth--used with from "poetry that ~ed from religious prose"
4: to extend activities--usu. used with out "the business is ~ing out"
5: to follow one of two or more branches (as in a computer program) ~ vt 1: to ornament with designs of branches
2: to divide up: section