Main Entry:

¹at·tri·bute

Pronunciation:

\ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow — more at tribute

Date:

14th century

1: an inherent characteristic ; also : an accidental quality2: an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power> ; especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture3: a word ascribing a quality ; especially : adjective

synonyms see quality