accessory

[ ak-ses-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural ac·ces·so·ries.

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. Compare principal ( def 9b ).

   Synonyms: accomplice

4. Anatomy. accessory nerve.

adjective

1. contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary.
2. Law. giving aid as an accessory.

accessory

/ 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

Derived Forms

• accessorial, adjective
• acˈcessorily, adverb
• acˈcessoriness, noun

Other Words From

• ac·ces·so·ri·ly adverb
• ac·ces·so·ri·ness noun
• in·ter·ac·ces·so·ry adjective
• non·ac·ces·so·ry adjective noun plural nonaccessories

Word History and Origins

Origin of accessory¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English accessorie (from Middle French ), from Medieval Latin accessōrius. See accede, -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of accessory¹

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Synonym Study

See addition.

Example Sentences

Every day millions of people share more intimate information with their accessories than they do with their spouse.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Goodman, who has a dog accessory business, spotted the competition while recovering from surgery earlier this year.

From BBC

At the heart of it all are eye-catching accessories - bold sunglasses, oversized hats, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings, gloves, bags, blonde wigs, crowns.

From BBC

My favorite fashion accessory is … a hiking headlamp.

From Los Angeles Times

Beckham launched her fashion brand in 2008, and has since boosted its fortunes by expanding into beauty products and luxury accessories.

From BBC

Related Words

• adornment
• appliance
• component
• decoration