I. kən.ˈtribyəˌtōrē, -ȯr-, -ri adjective
also con·trib·u·tary -ter-
Etymology: Middle English contributorie, contributarie, from Latin contributus (past participle of contribuere to bring together) + Middle English -orie -ory or -arie -ary — more at contribute
1. : subject to or contributing to a common fund or enterprise : subject to levy or furnishing a share or contingent
contributory allies
2. : of the nature of or forming a contribution : entering, given, occurring, or acting as a contribution, share, or aid toward effecting an end or result
contributory factors in a crisis
3. obsolete : tributary
4. of an insurance or pension plan : contributed to both by employers and employees
II. noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English contributorie, from contributorie, adjective
1. : one that contributes or is bound to contribute ; also : a contributing factor
2. English law : one (as a past or present member) who is liable to contribute to the payment of the debts of a corporation on its being wound up