Accessory

Definition

An item that can be added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

• IPA Pronunciation:
• American: /əkˈsɛsəri/
• British: /əkˈsɛsəri/
• Respelling:
• American: uhk-SES-uh-ree
• British: uhk-SES-uh-ree

Etymology

From late Latin "accessorius", from "accessus" ('approach, entrance'), from the verb "accēdere" (meaning 'to approach').

Derivatives

• Accessorize
• Accessorization
• Accessorial
• Accessorily
• Accessoriness

Synonyms

• Add-on
• Adjunct
• Attachment

Antonyms

• Essential
• Necessity
• Core

Usage

• "She wore a matching accessory with her dress."
• "This tool comes with an accessory kit."

Related Terms

• Complement
• Supplement
• Embellishment

Detailed Definition

Noun:

• A secondary or supplementary item added to something else to enhance its usefulness, beauty, or effectiveness.
• Example: "She bought a handbag and some matching accessories."
• Law: A person who helps someone else commit a crime but does not take part in it.
• Example: "He was charged as an accessory to the crime."

Adjective:

• Contributing to or aiding an activity or process in a minor way; subsidiary or supplementary.
• Example: "An accessory muscle assists in the movement."