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

Here’s hoping Samson and his impressive appendage return in the next movie to clear up some of the confusion — or at least to confirm my increasing suspicion that the title 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a double entendre. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 June 2025

Since the spiders are so small, many of their organs are found inside of their appendages. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 18 June 2025

Join 12 others in the comments View Comments Since the spiders are so small, many of their organs are found inside of their appendages. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 17 June 2025

Cell phones were still a novelty and not yet an appendage. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 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)