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

My favorite fashion accessory is … a hiking headlamp.

From Los Angeles Times

Martinez said Bonin carried his son “like an accessory.”

From Los Angeles Times

Martinez, the former council president, said on the recording that then-Councilmember Mike Bonin who is white and gay, carried his son, who is Black, “like an accessory.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m like this belt,” Griffin said, picking up her busted Valentino accessory and holding it up to the audience.

From Salon

Add to that any item or accessory that says “L.A.” or “Dodgers” — “Doyers,” IYKYK.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adornment
• appliance
• component
• decoration