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>2of a verb : accompanying another verb and typically expressing person, number, mood, or tense3 a: supplementary b: constituting a reserve <an auxiliary power plant>4: equipped with sails and a supplementary inboard engine <an auxiliary sloop>