accessory
UK: əkˈsesəri | US: əkˈsesəri
n. a supplementary item that enhances or complements something (e.g., fashion accessories)
n. a person who assists in a crime without being present during the act
adj. secondary or non-essential in function
The word "accessory" (later "accessory") emerged in Late Middle English via Medieval Latin accessorius, meaning "additional" or "subordinate." It originally described something that "approaches" or "adds to" a primary object (e.g., clothing accessories). The legal sense (aiding a crime) developed later, reflecting the idea of secondary involvement. The morphemes preserve the Latin root access- (to approach) and the suffix -ory, which denotes association.
She bought a matching handbag as an accessory for her dress.
The suspect was charged as an accessory to the robbery.
The car’s alloy wheels are a popular accessory upgrade.
His scarf served as both a fashion accessory and a warmth provider.
The phone case is purely decorative, not an essential accessory.