appendage
Americannoun
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a subordinate part attached to something; an auxiliary part; addition.
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Anatomy, Zoology. any member of the body diverging from the axial trunk.
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Botany, Mycology. any subsidiary part superadded to another part.
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a person in a subordinate or dependent position, especially a servile or parasitic follower.
noun
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an ancillary or secondary part attached to a main part; adjunct
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zoology any organ that projects from the trunk of animals such as arthropods
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botany any subsidiary part of a plant, such as a branch or leaf
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of appendage
Explanation
Use the noun appendage to describe something that’s attached to something larger. Your arm is an appendage to your body. Appendage often describes body parts, either on humans or animals. If it’s something that sticks out — like a finger, tail, or leg — chances are it can be called an appendage. The word can also be used figuratively to refer to something that’s associated with something larger or more important, like a husband who’s a mere appendage to his famous wife. In this sense, the word takes on a negative connotation: the appendage is not important.
Vocabulary lists containing appendage
"To Build a Fire," Vocabulary from the short story
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"To Build a Fire" by Jack London
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Latin Love, Vol III: pendere
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The court said the Cantwell Appendage rendered House District 36 “non-compact without adequate justification.”
From Seattle Times • Mar. 25, 2022
Branchial heart. x, Appendage of the same. c.v,
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various
Appendage over Spina Bifida Occulta in a boy æt.
From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander
Appendage -es: any part, piece or organ attached by a joint to the body or to any other main structure.
From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.
Branchial heart. app, Appendage of the same. i.s,
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
