1. Something that branches out or derives its existence or origin from a particular source. See synonyms at branch.
2. A branch, descendant, or member of a family or social group.
3. Botany. A lateral shoot from the main stem of a plant.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.