noun

1. A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.

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

Synonyms: affluent

adjective

1. Related to the paying of tribute.

2. Subordinate; inferior

3. 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.”