branch: Meaning and Definition of

branch

1. a division or subdivision of the stem or axis of a tree, shrub, or other plant.
2. a limb, offshoot, or ramification of any main stem: the branches of a deer's antlers.
3. any member or part of a body or system; a section or subdivision: the various branches of learning.
4. a local operating division of a business, library, or the like.
5. a line of family descent stemming from a particular ancestor, as distinguished from some other line or lines from the same stock; a division of a family.
6. a tributary stream or any stream that is not a large river or a bayou.
7. See(def. 2).
8. (in the classification of related languages within a family) a category of a lower order than a subfamily and of a higher order than a subbranch or a group, as the Germanic branch of Indo-European. Cf. group (def. 4a).
9. a point in a computer program where the computer selects one of two or more instructions to execute, according to some criterion.
10. a warrant or license permitting a pilot to navigate in certain waters.

1. to put forth branches; spread in branches.
2. to divide into separate parts or subdivisions; diverge: The main road branches off to the left.
3. to expand or extend, as business activities: The bank has plans to branch throughout the state.

1. to divide into branches or sections.
2. to adorn with needlework; decorate with embroidery, as in textile fabrics.
3. to expand or extend, as business activities, pursuits, interests, etc.: The business is branching out into computers.