adjunct
UK: ˈædʒʌŋkt | US: ˈædʒʌŋkt
n. something added to another thing but not essential to it
n. (grammar) a word or phrase that provides additional information but is not syntactically required
n. (education) a temporary or part-time faculty member at a university
The word "adjunct" originates from Latin adiunctus, the past participle of adiungere ("to join to"). It combines ad- (indicating direction or addition) and iungere ("to join"). Over time, it evolved to describe something attached or added to a primary entity without being essential—reflecting its literal sense of "joined to" but not integral.
The new software is an adjunct to the existing system.
In the sentence "She runs quickly," "quickly" is an adjunct.
He works as an adjunct professor at the local college.
The handbook serves as a useful adjunct to the main textbook.
The therapy is often used as an adjunct to traditional medicine.