Main Entry: ¹aux·il·ia·ry

Pronunciation: \ȯg-ˈzil-yə-rē, -ˈzil-rē, -ˈzi-lə-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin auxiliaris, from auxilium help; akin to Latin augēre to increase — more at eke

Date: 15th century

1 a : offering or providing help b : functioning in a subsidiary capacity <an auxiliary branch of the state university>
2 of a verb : accompanying another verb and typically expressing person, number, mood, or tense
3 a : supplementary b : constituting a reserve <an auxiliary power plant>
4 : equipped with sails and a supplementary inboard engine <an auxiliary sloop>