Definition of: branch

(branch, bränch) noun
1. A secondary stem of a tree, shrub, or the like; a limb: distinguished from twig; an offshoot.
2. A separate part; side issue; division; department.
3. Geog. A tributary stream; in the southern United States, any stream of water smaller than a river.
4. Anything having an analogy to a branch, as one of the subdivisions of a deer's antler, a part of a family, a subhead of a general subject, etc.
5. A local division of a highway, railroad, etc., connecting with a main line.
6. Archit. One of the ribs in the Gothic style of vaulting.
7. A division used in classifying the subdivisions of linguistic families and stocks, including more than a group and less than a stock.
8. A subordinate local office, store, etc.
9. Physics a In a band spectrum, a section of the component lines proceeding in both directions from a common zero line, b Any of the subdivisions due to varying transformations of a radioactive series.
—v.t.
1. To divide into branches.
2. To embroider with a pattern of flowers or foliage.
—v.i.
3. To put forth branches; divide into branches.
4. To spring off from the main part; come out from the trunk, etc.
—to branch off
1. To separate into branches; fork, as a road.
2. To diverge; go off on a tangent.
—to branch out To extend or expand, as one's business or interests.
—adjective Diverging from or tributary to a trunk, stock, or main part. [<F branche <LL branca paw]