branches

1. N-COUNT The branches of a tree are the parts that grow out from its trunk and have leaves, flowers, or fruit growing on them. 树枝

...the upper branches of a row of pines. …一排松树的上部枝条。

2. N-COUNT A branch of a business or other organization is one of the offices, stores, or groups which belong to it and which are located in different places. (企业或机构的) 分支

The local branch of Bank of America is handling the accounts. 美国银行的本地分行正在处理这些账目。

3. N-COUNT A branch of an organization such as the government or the police force is a department that has a particular function. 分支部门

Senate employees could take their employment grievances to another branch of government. 参议院的雇员可以将他们对工作的不满向另一政府分支部门申诉。

He had a fascination for submarines and joined this branch of the service. 他迷恋潜艇并加入了海军的这个分支。

4. N-COUNT A branch of a subject is a part or type of it. (学科的) 分科

Whole branches of science may not receive any grants. 很多整个科学分科可能都得不到拨款。

5. N-COUNT A branch of your family is a group of its members who are descended from one particular person. (家族的) 支系

This is one of the branches of the Roosevelt family. 这是罗斯福家族的一个支系。