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

At the time, fashionable women had short hair, carefully matched their accessories, and sported tailored jackets and silky evening wear.

From BBC

Of the 200 pieces set to be featured - including clothing, jewellery, hats, shoes and accessories - we have selected five of the most iconic outfits.

From BBC

He successfully pushed for more density in his district, allowing accessory dwelling units in the Castro neighborhood.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kwatra would order her designer clothes and accessories and charge them to her credit card.

From The Wall Street Journal

Spars herself is the proud owner of a Baggu x Peanuts earbuds case and is regularly gifted Snoopy apparel and accessories.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adornment
• appliance
• component
• decoration