branch

branch [branch, bränch]

n.

[ME branche < OFr brance < LL branca, a claw, paw]

1. any woody extension growing from the trunk or main stem, or from a main limb, of a tree or shrub

2. anything physically resembling a branch, as a tine of a deer's antler

3.

☆ a) one of the streams into which a river or large creek may divide, usually near the mouth

b) a large tributary flowing into a river

☆ 4. Chiefly South a small stream flowing usually into a creek

☆ 5. BRANCH WATER

6. any part or extension of a main body or system; specif.,

a) a division or part of a body of learning [optics is a branch of physics]

b) a division of a family descending from a common ancestor

c) a subdivision of a family of languages

d) a division or a separately located unit of an organization [a library branch]

e) a post-office subdivision outside the community where its main post office is located: distinguished from STATION, n. 1e

f) Comput. a JUMP (n. 12), esp. one that selects one of two or more alternative instructions as the next executed

vi.

1. to put forth branches; spread in or divide into branches; ramify

2. to come out (from the trunk or stem) as a branch

3. Comput. to continue at an instruction in another part of the program by means of a BRANCH (n. 6f)

vt.

1. to separate into branches

2. to embroider with a pattern of flowers, foliage, etc.

——————

branch off

1. to separate into branches; fork

2. to go off in another direction; diverge

——————

branch out

1. to put forth branches

2. to extend the scope of interests, activities, etc.

branched

adj.

branchlike

adj.