accessory

American  

[ak-ses-uh-ree] / ækˈsɛs ə ri /

noun

plural

accessories

1. a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera.

2. an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit.

3. Law.

   1. Also called accessory before the fact.  a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony.

   2. Also called accessory after the fact.  a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony.

   Synonyms:

   accomplice

4. Anatomy. accessory nerve.

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adjective

1. contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary.

2. Law. giving aid as an accessory.

accessory British  

/ ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl, əkˈsɛsərɪ /

noun

1. a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural) a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3. a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

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adjective

1. supplementary; additional; subordinate

2. assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Related Words

See addition.

Other Word Forms

• accessorial adjective
• accessorily adverb
• accessoriness noun
• interaccessory adjective
• nonaccessory adjective

Etymology

Origin of accessory

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English accessorie (from Middle French ), from Medieval Latin accessōrius. See accede, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Canadians also spent less on clothing and accessories and at gas stations, but lifted outlays in October on furniture, building materials and autos.

From The Wall Street Journal

And the idea that what we think is right trumps everything and that our children are just extensions of ourselves, accessories, things to be judged in relation to us, as either prideful or shameful.

From Los Angeles Times

Ever wondered how long it would take to build an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, in your backyard?

From Los Angeles Times

The videogame retailer and original meme stock posted declining quarterly revenue, as its hardware, accessories and software sales declined.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I feel like there's definitely a performative aspect to it, almost like an accessory for some people." he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• adornment
• appliance
• component
• decoration