noun
appendage
uh-PEHN-dihj
Appendage (noun) means a part, especially a limb or similar structure, that sticks out from the main body of an animal or plant. Example: “A crab's claws are appendages used for gripping and defense.”
noun
1
A part, especially a limb or similar structure, that sticks out from the main body of an animal or plant.
"A crab's claws are appendages used for gripping and defense."
"The insect's long, thin appendages helped it climb smooth surfaces."
2
Something extra attached to a larger, more important thing.
"The garage felt like a clumsy appendage to the original house."
How to use appendage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnything — usually a body part — that hangs or sticks out from a main structure.
Common pairings
a natural appendage
an external appendage
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Word forms
- Plural
- appendages
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A crab's claws are _____ used for gripping and defense.
Etymology
From append + the suffix -age, ultimately from Latin appendere, "to hang something onto."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for appendage
See all rhymes for appendage →Frequently asked questions
What does “appendage” mean?
The word “appendage” means a part, especially a limb or similar structure, that sticks out from the main body of an animal or plant. In plain terms, anything — usually a body part — that hangs or sticks out from a main structure.
How do you pronounce “appendage”?
“Appendage” is pronounced uh-PEHN-dihj (/əˈpɛndɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “appendage” in a sentence?
Here is “appendage” used in a sentence: “A crab's claws are appendages used for gripping and defense.”
What part of speech is “appendage”?
“Appendage” is a noun.
Where does the word “appendage” come from?
The word “appendage” comes from Latin. From append + the suffix -age, ultimately from Latin appendere, "to hang something onto.".
How many meanings does “appendage” have?
“Appendage” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a part, especially a limb or similar structure, that sticks out from the main body of an animal or plant.
