Legal Definitions - tributary

A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger body of water, such as another river or a lake. It contributes its water to the main watercourse, either by joining it directly or by flowing into an intermediate stream first.

A tributary refers to a natural stream or river that flows into a larger stream, river, or lake, thereby contributing its water to the larger body.

• Imagine a small waterway called Elm Creek that meanders through a valley and eventually merges directly with the much broader Maple River. Elm Creek's water combines with the Maple River's flow, increasing its volume as it continues downstream.

  Explanation: In this instance, Elm Creek is a tributary because it flows directly into the Maple River, adding its water to the larger river system.

• Consider the Silver Stream, which first empties into Lake Serene. From Lake Serene, an outlet river, the Serene River, then flows out and eventually joins the expansive Oceanic River. The water from Silver Stream ultimately reaches the Oceanic River, but only after passing through Lake Serene and the Serene River.

  Explanation: Here, Silver Stream is an indirect tributary of the Oceanic River. Its water contributes to the Oceanic River's flow, but it does so by first flowing into a lake, which then feeds another river that subsequently merges with the main river.