accessory

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate

   Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; contributing or being contributory.

   • accessory garments
   • Surprise parties succeed with the help of accessory neighbors or colleagues.
   • Amongst many secondary, and accessory causes that support Monarchy, these are not of least reckning, […]
2. 2

   Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself

   Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal.

   • Her actions were clearly accessory because they helped him commit and probably also conceal the crime.
3. 3

   Present in a minor amount, and not essential.

   • accessory mineral
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Supernumerary and generally nonfunctional.

      • She had an accessory finger on one hand.
      • Dichotomy may, not infrequently, affect other digits; thus in fig. 61 a chick is represented with two bifid toes and partial duplicity of the left leg. Birds with these accessory parts may live and attain the adult condition.
      • There was an accessory finger present on the ulnar side of each hand.
   2. 5

      Something that belongs to part of another main thing

      Something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment.

      • the accessories of a mobile phone
      • the aspect and accessories of a den of banditti
   3. 6

      An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.

      • One of the first of a wave of American women contemporary designers who emerged in the 1990s, she [Kate Spade] built a brand on the appeal of clothes and accessories that made shoppers smile.
   4. 7

      A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or…

      A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or instigator.

      • She was an accessory to the murder because she helped him commit and probably also conceal the crime.
      • “You can be an accessory before the fact, or an accessory after the fact. It doesnʼt matter if itʼs before or after; either way youʼd be in for it.”
   5. 8

      Something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely…

      Something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely ornamental parts.

The neighborhood

• synonymaddition
• synonymattachment
• synonymsupplement