Definition of the word branch

The word "branch" has its roots in Old English. The earliest known use of the word was in the 9th century, where it was used to describe a division or a separation. Over time, the word's meaning evolved to refer to a subdivision of a larger group or structure, such as a limb or a department. In botany, the word "branch" was first used in the 14th century to describe a division of a tree or a shrub. This meaning is thought to have been influenced by the Old French word "branche," which was derived from the Latin word "branchia," meaning "limb" or "appendage." In modern English, the word "branch" can be used in a variety of contexts, including business (a branch of a company), mathematics (a branch of a function), and geography (a branch of a river). Regardless of the context, the word "branch" generally refers to a division or extension of something larger.