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 quality
2 : 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 sculpture
3 : a word ascribing a quality; especially : adjective

synonyms see quality