n. & v.
--n.
1. a limb extending from a tree or bough.
2 a lateral extension or subdivision, esp. of a river, road, or railway.
3 a conceptual extension or subdivision, as of a family, knowledge, etc.
4 a local division or office etc. of a large business, as of a bank, library, etc.
--v.intr. (often foll. by off)
1. diverge from the main part.
2 divide into branches.
Phrases and idioms:
branch out extend one's field of interest.
Derivatives:
branched adj. branchlet n. branchlike adj. branchy adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF branche f. LL branca paw