I. -yəˌterē adjective
Etymology: distribute + -ary
: distributive ; especially : of or relating to a distributary
II. noun
( -es )
1.
a. : a river branch flowing away from the main stream and not rejoining it — contrasted with tributary
b. : one of the channels of a braided stream
2. : an irrigation canal or ditch leading away from the main canal ; especially : one of the smaller conduits by which irrigation water is delivered directly to the consumer from the larger branches of the system