Accessory Definition

Contents

• 1 English
  • 1.1 Etymology
  • 1.2 Pronunciation
  • 1.3 Adjective
    • 1.3.1 Synonyms
    • 1.3.2 Translations
  • 1.4 Noun
    • 1.4.1 Synonyms
    • 1.4.2 Derived terms
    • 1.4.3 Translations
    • 1.4.4 References

English

Etymology

From Latin accessorius (compare English access, from same root).

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əkˈsɛsərɪ/

Adjective

accessory (comparative more accessory, superlative most accessory)

1. Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory to the riot; accessory sounds in music.
2. (law) Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself.

Synonyms

• (having a secondary function): accompanying, contributory, auxiliary, subsidiary, subservient, additional, acceding

Noun

accessory (plural accessories)

1. That which belongs to something else deemed the principal; something additional and subordinate, an attachment.

   the accessories of a mobile phone

   • (Can we date this quote?) Thomas Carlyle:

     The aspect and accessories of a den of banditti.

2. An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.
3. (law) One who, not being present, contributes as an assistant or instigator to the commission of an offense.
4. (fine arts) Anything that enters into a work of art without being indispensably necessary, as mere ornamental parts.

Synonyms

• (one who assists in or instigates an offense): abettor, accomplice, ally, coadjutor, accessary

Derived terms

• accessory before the fact
• accessory after the fact

Translations

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.

References

• accessory in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

Related 'Accessory' Searches: