appendage

[ uh-pen-dij ]

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.

appendage

/ 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

Other Words From

• ap·pendaged adjective
• unap·pendaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of appendage¹

First recorded in 1640–50; append + -age

Example Sentences

“Around 20 to 30 people from overseas have come in the last month,” Miyoko Ishikawa, whose seat at the information desk directly faces the outstretched appendage.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet sea robins are most notable for their distinctively large, fan-shaped dorsal fins and for their six leg-like appendages.

From Salon

For such men, they prefer to imagine women as appendages of men, who have no motivations outside of pleasing and serving men.

From Salon

First, the team sliced off the antennae and thinned and polished the surrounding amber to ensure the clearest possible view of the appendage within.

From Science Magazine

Having piqued the interest of the Antiquities Authority, Energean had two mechanical appendages built for the R.O.V. that were capable of extracting artifacts from the pile with minimal risk of damage to the entire assemblage.

From New York Times

Related Words

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