accessory
n. countablen. an extra item you add to something to make it more useful, attractive, or complete. Common examples include jewelry for an outfit or a case for a phone.
n. a supplementary item that improves the functionality or aesthetic appeal of a primary object. In legal contexts, refers to a person who assists in a crime without being present during its commission.
She bought a red belt as an accessory for her dress.
The new smartphone comes with several accessories, including a fast charger and a protective silicone case.
While the defendant did not enter the building, he was charged as an accessory for providing the tools used in the burglary and driving the getaway vehicle.
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Medieval Latin ad- Proto-Italic *kezdō Medieval Latin cēdō Medieval Latin accēdō Proto-Indo-European *-tōr Proto-Italic *-tōr Medieval Latin -tor Medieval Latin accessor Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *-ios Old Latin -ios Medieval Latin -ius Medieval Latin accessōriusbor. English accessory From Medieval Latin accessōrius, from Latin accessor (“helper, subordinate”), from accessus. Compare access, from same root.
From Middle English accessorie, from Medieval Latin accessōrius, from Latin accessor (“helper, subordinate”), from accessus. Compare access, from same root.
Commonly used in the plural when referring to fashion or technology; takes the preposition 'to' in legal contexts ('accessory to a crime').