n. A division or subdivision of the stem or axis of a tree, shrub, or other plant (the ultimate or smaller ramifications being called branchlets, twigs, or shoots); a bough.n. Something resembling a branch in its relation to the trunk; an offshoot or part extending from the main body of a thing; a ramification; a subdivision; an outgrowth.n. Specifically— Any member or part of a body or system; a department; a section or subdivision: as, a branch of a society; the various branches of learning.n. A line of family descent, in distinction from some other line or lines from the same stock: as, the English or the Irish branch of a family.n. Any descendant in such a line.n. In geometry, any portion of a real curve capable of description by the continuous motion of a point. Every branch either extends to infinity or returns into itself (reëntrant branch); but some old geometers considered a branch to be ended by a cusp.n. A piece of pipe including a length of the main pipe and a shorter piece branching from it. When the latter is at right angles to the former, the branch is aT-branch; if at an acute angle, it is a y-branch. If there are two branching pieces, it is called a double branch.n. The metal piece on the end of the hose of a fire-engine to which the nozle is screwed.n. One of the sides of a horseshoe.n. In fortification, the wing or long side of a horn- or crown-work; also, one of the parts of a zig-zag approach.n. In a sword-hilt, either of two pieces which project at right angles to the barrel and to the blade of the sword, forming guards for the hand. See hilt.n. In entomology, the flagellum or outer portion of a geniculate antenna.n. In mining, a small vein, leader, or string of ore, connected with or seeming to branch from the main lode. See lode.n. In a bridle, either of two bent pieces of iron which bear the bit, the cross-chains, and the curb.n. In the southern and some of the western United States, the general name for any stream that is not a large river or a bayou.n. The diploma or commission issued by the proper authority to a pilot who has passed an examination for competency.n. A chandelier.n. A branched candlestick or candle.Consisting of or constituting a branch; ramifying; diverging from a trunk, main stem, or main body: as, a branch road or railroad; a branch society.To spread in branches; send out branches, as a plant.To divide into separate parts or subdivisions; diverge; ramify.To divide, as into branches; make subordinate divisions in.To adorn with needlework; decorate with embroidery; adorn with flowers or other ornament, as in textile fabrics.n. In mathematics, some one determination of a many-valued function selected for consideration.