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REFERENCE

branch

n. · v.
US //ˈbɹæntʃ// UK //bɹˈɑːntʃ// branch
  1. 1 part of a tree (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an arm-like part of a tree that grows out from the main trunk.

    a woody structural member of a tree arising from the trunk and typically supporting leaves or fruit.

    Example

    The cat climbed high up onto a thick branch and refused to come down.

    Example

    Heavy snow weighed down the branches of the pine trees until several snapped under the immense pressure.
  2. 2 local office (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a local office or shop that belongs to a larger company or organization.

    a local office or subdivision of a larger organization, such as a bank, library, or government agency.

    Example

    I need to go to the local branch of the bank to sign some papers.

    Example

    The corporation decided to close its suburban branches to consolidate operations at the central downtown headquarters.
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  1. 3 area of knowledge (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a specific area of study or a part of a large subject.

    a specialized field or subdivision of a larger area of knowledge, science, or business.

    Example

    Botany is a branch of biology that focuses specifically on plants.

    Example

    Quantum mechanics is a complex branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter at the atomic level.
  2. 4 computing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a separate version of a computer program or a set of code.

    a version of a project in a version control system that deviates from the main line of development.

    Example

    The developer created a new branch to test the new features without breaking the main app.

    Example

    After the bug was fixed in the experimental branch, the team merged the code back into the master repository.
  3. 5 to divide (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to split into two or more different directions.

    to divide or separate into subdivisions or different paths.

    Example

    The hiking trail branches into two paths near the waterfall.

    Example

    The river branches into several smaller streams as it approaches the delta, creating a network of wetlands.
  4. 6 to branch out (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to start doing something new or different from your usual work.

    to expand one's interests or activities into a new or different area.

    Example

    The restaurant started as a café but is now branching out into catering.

    Example

    After years of writing historical fiction, the author decided to branch out into science fiction for her next series.

    Usage

    usually used with the particle 'out'
Origin

From Middle English branche, braunche, bronche, from Old French branche, branke, from Late Latin branca (“footprint”, later also “paw, claw”) (whence Middle High German pranke, German Pranke (“paw”)), of unknown origin. Perhaps of Celtic origin, from a hypothetical Gaulish vranca, from Proto-Indo-European wrónk-eh₂. If so, then Indo-European cognates include Old Norse rá, vró (“angle, corner”), and possibly Lithuanian rankà (“hand”), Old Church Slavonic рѫка (rǫka, “hand”), Albanian rangë (“yardwork”). The verb is from Middle English braunchen, from the noun.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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