branch

Everyday

1. A branch is a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk and has smaller twigs and leaves. tree →
2. A branch is one of the shops, offices or libraries that belong to the same company or group: a branch of a bank. tree →
3. A branch is a part of something bigger that splits off: a branch of a river, a branch of science. tree →
4. To branch (out) means to split into parts, or to start doing new things. tree →

In the lessons

In science trees are made of roots, a trunk, branches and leaves; branches hold leaves up to the sunlight. In maths a tree diagram has branches that show choices. In safety lessons: don't climb on thin or dead branches, which can break, and watch for falling branches in strong winds. In family history, a family tree has branches for each side of the family. Phrases: branch out, branch off, olive branch (a sign of peace), local branch.

Examples

• The bird sat on a branch of the oak tree. tree →
• Don't climb on that thin branch; it might break. tree →
• Strong winds blew a big branch onto the road. tree →
• Our bank has a branch in the high street. tree →
• Biology is a branch of science. tree →
• The path branches into two near the river. tree →
• Mum's side is one branch of our family tree. tree →
• The library has a new branch near our school. tree →
• ‘Oh, just a little branch sticking out. tree →

Note

Plural: branches (add -es). A twig is a small, thin branch. «Branch off» means split away: «a small road branches off the main road». In a maths tree diagram, each branch shows one possible choice or result.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah a branch is a tree or vine limb, and also an arm of the golden lampstand, the menorah, which had six branches. In the later books a branch is also a picture of a person's family or life, which can wither or flourish.

Interpretation. Tradition sees the menorah as a tree of light, with its branches and flowers. Some read its seven lamps as a sign of wisdom and of Israel's light. Job says a wicked man's branch withers, and the psalmist pictures Israel as a vine that sent its branches to the sea.

Examples

• So for the six branches going out of the candlestick. (Torah EXO.37.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Joseph said unto him: 'This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; (Torah GEN.40.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine by a fountain; its branches run over the wall. (Torah GEN.49.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• His roots shall dry up beneath, and above shall his branch wither. (Writings JOB.18.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be leafy. (Writings JOB.15.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• She sent out her branches unto the sea, and her shoots unto the River. (Writings PSA.80.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Plural: branches (add -es). A twig is a small, thin branch. «Branch off» means split away: «a small road branches off the main road». In a maths tree diagram, each branch shows one possible choice or result.