appendage

American  

[uh-pen-dij] / əˈpɛn dɪdʒ /

noun

1. a subordinate part attached to something; an auxiliary part; addition.

2. Anatomy, Zoology. any member of the body diverging from the axial trunk.

3. Botany, Mycology. any subsidiary part superadded to another part.

4. a person in a subordinate or dependent position, especially a servile or parasitic follower.

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appendage British  

/ əˈpɛndɪdʒ /

noun

1. an ancillary or secondary part attached to a main part; adjunct

2. zoology any organ that projects from the trunk of animals such as arthropods

3. botany any subsidiary part of a plant, such as a branch or leaf

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Other Word Forms

• appendaged adjective
• unappendaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of appendage

First recorded in 1640–50; append + -age

Example Sentences

This animal is part of the Calumma gallus species complex, a group in which males are known for their elongated nasal appendages.

From Science Daily

He played with a small cast on his left hand and was even using that bandaged appendage to stiff-arm defenders.

From Los Angeles Times

The muscular appendage evaporates into a pale gas before it can hit the ground.

From Literature

The fossil evidence also hints that the animal may have possessed small appendages for picking up and arranging mineral grains.

From Science Daily

And then it worked its way down,” Now, he adds: “It’s an appendage to all of us.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arm
• extremity
• foot
• hand
• leg
• limb