accessory — English Dictionary

Adjective

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

   Examples

   accessory garments

   Surprise parties succeed with the help of accessory neighbors or colleagues.

   More examples (1)

   Amongst many secondary, and accessory causes that support Monarchy, these are not of least reckning, […]

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

   Broader terms

   accomplice

   Examples

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

3. Present in a minor amount, and not essential.

   Examples

   accessory mineral

4. Supernumerary and generally nonfunctional.

   Examples

   She had an accessory finger on one hand.

   More examples (1)

   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.

   More examples (1)

   Duplications and accessory toes can sometimes be simply reduced or removed, but occasionally the skeletal architecture is very complex and careful planning and meticulous surgery are necessary.

Noun

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

   Examples

   the accessories of a mobile phone

   the aspect and accessories of a den of banditti

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

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   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.

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

   Examples

   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.”

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

Adjective

1. aiding and abetting in a crime

   Synonyms

   accessary

   Examples

   he was charged with being accessory to the crime

2. furnishing added support

   Synonyms

   adjunctancillaryadjuvantappurtenantauxiliary

   Examples

   an ancillary pump

   an adjuvant discipline to forms of mysticism

   More examples (1)

   The mind and emotions are auxiliary to each other

Noun

1. clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing

   Synonyms

   accoutrementaccouterment

   Broader terms

   clothingarticle of clothingvesturewearwearablehabiliment

2. a supplementary component that improves capability

   Synonyms

   appurtenancesupplementadd-on

   Broader terms

   componentconstituentelement

3. someone who helps another person commit a crime

   Synonyms

   accessary

   Broader terms

   criminalfeloncrookoutlawmalefactor