appendage

noun

ap·​pend·​age ə-ˈpen-dij 

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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The Root of Appendage

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.

Synonyms

• accessory
• option
• appliance

Examples of appendage in a Sentence

The court system acts as an appendage to the government.

an appendage of a larger political party

Recent Examples on the Web

Underwater drones could one day use similar appendages to squeeze into tight spaces, explore fragile ecosystems without damage, or carry out repairs in difficult-to-reach areas. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

Season 1 viewers understood the depths of the family’s trust in Thing when patriarch Gomez Addams (Luiz Guzmán) entrusted the appendage with looking out for his only daughter, Wednesday (Jenna Ortega), during her first semester at Nevermore Academy. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

The new species was identified by its body proportions, appendage length and shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025

This design allows the appendages to fan out underwater, so they can be used like an oar. —New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

appendage

noun

ap·​pend·​age ə-ˈpen-dij 

1

: something attached to a larger or more important thing

2

: a projecting part (as an antenna) of an animal or plant body

especially : an arm, leg, or similar part

Medical Definition

appendage

noun

ap·​pend·​age ə-ˈpen-dij 

: a subordinate or derivative body part

especially : a limb or analogous part (as a seta)