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branch

(1) In a low-level programming language, a statement that directs the computer to go to some other part of the program. In assembly languages, "branch" or "jump" instructions provide this capability. In high-level languages, a "goto" statement, as well as several other programming constructs, provide the equivalent of the branch. For example, "IF A EQUALS B GOTO MATCH_ROUTINE." See branch prediction and do loop.

(2) A connection between two blocks in a flowchart or two nodes in a network.

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branch

1. a secondary woody stem arising from the trunk or bough of a tree or the main stem of a shrub

2. a subdivision of the stem or root of any other plant

3. US any small stream

4. Maths a section of a curve separated from the rest of the curve by discontinuities or special points

5. Computing a departure from the normal sequence of programmed instructions into a separate program area

6. Physics an alternative route in an atomic or nuclear decay series

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1.	(mathematics)	branch - An edge in a tree.
2.	(programming)	branch - A jump.