tributary

noun

1. A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.
2. A vein which drains into another vein.

   “The great saphenous vein is a tributary of the femoral vein.”

3. A nation, state, or other entity that pays tribute.

   “An earneſt Coniuration from the King, / As England was his faithfull Tributary”

adj

1. (not-comparable)Related to the paying of tribute.
2. (not-comparable)Subordinate; inferior.

   “to grace his tributary gods”

3. (not-comparable)Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing.

   “The Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.”