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 Word Forms

• appendaged adjective
• unappendaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of appendage¹

First recorded in 1640–50; append + -age

Example Sentences

Season 2 opens with the stitched-up appendage beating the hell out of a serial killer.

From Los Angeles Times

I didn’t articulate any of this at the time, but a previously unknown, murky appendage in my brainstem lifted its head and howled disagreement.

From Salon

The catch is that whenever someone enters, red lights blink on and off at their partners’ villa to alert them that someone is sticking a few appendages where they shouldn't be.

From Salon

“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

Related Words

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