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

Derived Forms

• appendaged
  adjective
• unappendaged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of appendage

First recorded in 1640–50; append + -age

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.

Related Words

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