Distributary

A distributary, or a distributary channel is a stream channel that branches off and flows away from a main stream channel. It is the opposite of a tributary, a stream that flows towards and into another stream or river. Distributaries are often found where a river approaches a lake or an ocean. They are a common feature of river deltas. They can also occur inland.

One example is the Yarriambiack Creek in western Victoria, Australia. It branches off the Wimmera River, and ends in Lake Coorong, near Hopetoun.