In a general context, a "tributary" refers to a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river, contributing its water to the main river. Tributaries are an integral part of a river's network, feeding into larger bodies of water and impacting the overall flow and ecosystem of the river system. Beyond its literal meaning, "tributary" can also be used metaphorically to describe something that contributes to or supports a larger entity or system, such as a smaller organization that provides resources to a larger corporation or a person who aids in achieving a greater goal. The precise meaning of "tributary" depends on the context in which it is used.

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