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
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
Out of her spine emerges a creature with too many appendages, body parts in the wrong places, and Elisabeth’s face protruding from her back.
—
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025
This fusion results in the atrophy of the male’s non-reproductive organs, ultimately transforming it into a permanent appendage that provides sperm on demand for fertilizing the female’s eggs.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Polka dot patterns Typically, animal skin appendages including hair, feathers, and scales are controlled by specific genes when an embryo is developing.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024
Morphological characteristics of the fish were measured – the size of their eyes; aspects of their gill rakers, cartilaginous appendages fish use to capture tiny invertebrates; fin lengths, jaw shapes, and more.
—Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for appendage 
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Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025
This fusion results in the atrophy of the male’s non-reproductive organs, ultimately transforming it into a permanent appendage that provides sperm on demand for fertilizing the female’s eggs.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Polka dot patterns Typically, animal skin appendages including hair, feathers, and scales are controlled by specific genes when an embryo is developing.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024
Morphological characteristics of the fish were measured – the size of their eyes; aspects of their gill rakers, cartilaginous appendages fish use to capture tiny invertebrates; fin lengths, jaw shapes, and more.
—Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for appendage
Dictionary Entries Near appendage
Cite this Entry
“Appendage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appendage. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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