mindmap root((枝条)) shoot stresses actual growing and is applicable chiefly to new growth from a bud: allowed only the strongest ~s to grow. branch suggests a spreading out by dividing and subdividing and applies typically to a matured member arising from a primary stem or truck or from a division or subdivision of one of these: ~es silhouetted against the sky. bough may replace branch, in reference to a tree or shrub, especially when the notion of foliage or blossom or fruit is prominent: pine ~s for Christmas decoration. limb is likely to apply to a main branch arising directly from a trunk: the great ~s of the old oak.