appendage

noun

ap·​pend·​age ə-ˈpen-dij 

1

: an adjunct to something larger or more important : appurtenance

2

: a usually projecting part of an animal or plant body that is typically smaller and of less functional importance than the main part to which it is attached

especially : a limb or analogous part (such as a seta)

3

[appendant] : a dependent or subordinate person

Did you know?

The Root of Appendage

Appendix isn't the only noun that comes from append. Unlike appendix, appendage doesn't suggest the end of something, but simply something attached. The word is often used in biology to refer to parts of an animal's body: an insect's antennae, mouthparts, or wings, for example. The appendages of some animals will grow back after they've been removed; a salamander, for example, can regrow a finger, and the tiny sea squirt can regrow all its appendages—and even its brain.

Synonyms

• accessory
• accessary
• accoutrement
• accouterment
• adapter
• adaptor
• add-on
• adjunct
• appliance
• attachment
• option

Examples of appendage in a Sentence

The court system acts as an appendage to the government.

an appendage of a larger political party

Recent Examples on the Web

Only female anglerfish adorn the dorsal appendage, according to Oceana, an ocean conversation organization. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

Officers with the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department responded to a call around 8:20 a.m. on Christmas Day when someone spotted the appendage, Fox Los Angeles reported. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024

Williams was an appendage to new Trojans coach Lincoln Riley, transferring to USC as a sophomore in 2022 and winning the Heisman Trophy. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

In one scene, Michaels grabs a small pair of scissors, alluding to cutting off Michaels’ man’s appendage. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

appendage

noun

ap·​pend·​age ə-ˈpen-dij 

1

: something attached to a larger or more important thing

2

: a projecting part (as an antenna) of an animal or plant body

especially : an arm, leg, or similar part

Medical Definition

appendage

noun

ap·​pend·​age ə-ˈpen-dij 

: a subordinate or derivative body part

especially : a limb or analogous part (as a seta)