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Branches: meaning, definitions and examples

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branches

 

[หˆbrรฆnสงษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tree parts

Branches are the parts of a tree that grow out from the trunk and carry leaves, flowers, or fruits. They support the foliage and enable the tree to reach higher for sunlight and nutrients. Branches can vary in thickness, length, and direction depending on the species of the tree.

Synonyms

bough, limb, shoot.

Examples of usage

  • The branches of the oak tree spread wide.
  • She hung a swing from the sturdy branch.
  • Birds built a nest in the branches.
  • The branches swayed gently in the wind.
Context #2 | Noun

divisions

In a broader context, branches can refer to subdivisions or divisions of an organization, institution, or subject. They represent different areas of focus or specialization within a larger entity.

Synonyms

department, division, sector.

Examples of usage

  • The company has several branches across the country.
  • He works in the marketing branch of the firm.
  • The university has branches in multiple cities.
  • She studied the different branches of philosophy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'branch' comes from the Old French 'branche', which meant 'arm' or 'wrist', signifying how branches extend like arms.
  • In ancient cultures, branches were often seen as symbols of connection or family, representing how one family can have many 'branches'.

Botany

  • Branches serve vital roles in photosynthesis by holding leaves, the plant's solar panels.
  • The arrangement of branches can determine how much sunlight a tree captures, affecting its growth and shape.
  • Some trees, like willows, have flexible branches that allow them to withstand strong winds without breaking.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, branches are used in rituals and ceremonies to symbolize peace and prosperity, like the olive branch in Western traditions.
  • The Tree of Life, depicted in various mythologies, often illustrates the interconnectedness of all living things through its branches.

Literature

  • Branches often appear in poetry and stories as metaphors for growth, family, and the passage of time.
  • In classic literature, characters may take 'branches' on their journeys, symbolizing choices leading to different paths in life.

Architecture

  • The architectural term 'branch' can refer to an offshoot of a main structure, similar to a tree's branches.
  • Designs inspired by nature often incorporate 'branching' forms to create organic shapes in buildings and furniture.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,921, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.