tributary
Pronunciation:
/ˈtɹɪbjʊtəɹi/noun
Definitions
A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.
A nation, state, or other entity that pays tribute.
adjective
Definitions
Related to the paying of tribute.
Subordinate; inferior
Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing.
Example: The Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.