Definition of appendage
1 : an adjunct to something larger or more important : appurtenance
2 : a usually projecting part of an animal or plant body that is typically smaller and of less functional importance than the main part to which it is attached; especially : a limb or analogous part (such as a seta)
3 [appendant] : a dependent or subordinate person
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Examples of appendage in a Sentence
The court system acts as an appendage to the government.
an appendage of a larger political party
Did You Know?
Appendix isn't the only noun that comes from append. Unlike appendix, appendage doesn't suggest the end of something, but simply something attached. The word is often used in biology to refer to parts of an animal's body: an insect's antennae, mouthparts, or wings, for example. The appendages of some animals will grow back after they've been removed; a salamander, for example, can regrow a finger, and the tiny sea squirt can regrow all its appendages—and even its brain.
1647
First Known Use of appendage
1647
Other Anatomy Terms
APPENDAGE Defined for English Language Learners
appendage
playDefinition of appendage for English Language Learners
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medical : a body part (such as an arm or a leg) connected to the main part of the body
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: something connected or joined to a larger or more important thing
APPENDAGE Defined for Kids
appendage
playDefinition of appendage for Students
: something (as a leg) attached to a larger or more important thing
Medical Dictionary
appendage
playMedical Definition of appendage
: a subordinate or derivative body part; especially : a limb or analogous part (as a seta)
Learn More about appendage
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for appendage Spanish Central: Translation of appendage Nglish: Translation of appendage for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of appendage for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about appendage
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