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.

---

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

---

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

Cabbages, namely their undulating cross-section patterns, have appeared as designs in outerwear and accessories.

From Salon

Some industry players have been cautious about commenting on current trends, as the Chinese New Year, which began on Feb. 17, is a key period for gauging consumer appetite for upscale fashion and accessories.

From The Wall Street Journal

US imports of capital goods like computer accessories and telecommunications equipment picked up in the month.

From Barron's

But they also said that note felt credible because it included details about a specific damaged piece of property and the placement of an accessory in the home that had not been made public.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the plan, which isn’t final, many consumer-facing goods with small amounts of steel and aluminum—for example, some kitchen accessories—would be assigned lower tariffs, potentially 15%.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adornment
• appliance
• component
• decoration