noun
tributary; branch of a river
Literal geographical use: a smaller stream that flows into a larger river.
この川の傍流はいくつかある。
This river has several tributaries.
彼の意見は学界の傍流に過ぎない。
His opinion is merely a fringe view in the academic world.
その政党の傍流が新しい政策を提案した。
A faction within the party proposed a new policy.