branch

Compared meaning: a woody part of a tree (noun).

比较义项：树枝（名词）。

• branch 本词

  Branch is the ordinary, general word for any woody part of a tree, thick or thin, used naturally in everyday and technical contexts alike.

  branch 是最普通、通用的词，指树上任何粗细的木质部分，日常和专业语境中都可以自然使用。

  A sparrow perched on a thin branch just outside my window.

  一只麻雀落在我窗外一根细细的树枝上。

• limb

  Limb specifically denotes a large, thick branch, often used when describing tree climbing or storm damage, and sounds more descriptive and literary than branch.

  limb 特指粗大的主枝，常用于描述爬树或暴风雨折断树枝的场景，语气比 branch 更具描述性、更文学化。

  The storm snapped off a heavy limb from the old oak tree.

  暴风雨把那棵老橡树上一根粗大的树枝折断了。

Branch and limb both mean a woody part of a tree. Branch is the general word, for any part, thick or thin. Limb means a thick branch, used for climbing or storm damage. Limb's 'arm or leg' and branch's 'company division' meanings are not compared.

branch 和 limb 都可以指“树枝”，但 branch 是最普通、涵盖范围最广的说法，无论粗细都能用；limb 特指粗大的主枝，常见于爬树、暴风雨折断树枝等语境，语气更具描述性。这里不比较 limb 的“肢体（手臂或腿）”这一义项，也不比较 branch 的“分支、部门（如河流的支流、公司的分行）”这一义项。

Compared meaning: to split into different paths (verb).

比较义项：（道路、河流等）分岔、分支（动词）。

• branch 本词

  Branch describes dividing into any number of parts or a new direction, and is used broadly for trees, rivers, roads, and organizations; it doesn't imply exactly two results.

  branch 表示分成任意数量的部分或转向新的方向，广泛用于树木、河流、道路和组织机构，并不表示恰好分成两支。

  The river branches repeatedly as it winds through the delta, forming dozens of channels.

  这条河在三角洲蜿蜒流过时反复分支，形成了数十条支流。

• fork

  Fork specifically means splitting into exactly two paths at one point, like the tines of a fork, and is common for roads and rivers with a clear left/right choice.

  fork 特指在一点分成恰好两条路径，就像叉子的齿一样，常用于道路和河流，带有明确的左右选择。

  Take the right fork where the trail splits near the old barn.

  在老谷仓附近，道路分岔的地方走右边那条岔路。

Branch and fork both mean to split into paths. Branch means dividing into any number of parts, for trees, rivers, or roads. Fork means splitting into two paths, like a road with two directions. Their noun meanings, 'tree branch' and 'eating utensil', are not compared.

这两个词在表示道路、河流等“分岔、分出支流”时意思相近，但 branch 强调延伸出任意数量的分支，用法更宽泛；fork 特指分成恰好两条路径，常带有明确的方向选择。这里不比较 branch 作名词表示“树枝”或“分店”的用法，也不比较 fork 作名词表示“叉子”（餐具）的用法。