paraphernalia
UK: ˌpærəfəˈneɪliə | US: ˌpærəfərˈneɪliə
n. miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity
n. (historical) personal belongings of a married woman, excluding her dowry
paraphernalia = para<beside> + phern<dowry> + alia<noun suffix (plural)>
- para (from Greek para, meaning "beside" or "beyond")
- phern (from Greek phernē, meaning "dowry")
- alia (Latin-derived suffix indicating plural nouns or collective items)
Etymology Origin:
The word originates from Medieval Latin paraphernalia, referring to a married woman’s personal property beyond (para) her dowry (phernē). Over time, it broadened to mean "miscellaneous equipment" due to the association with personal belongings. The shift reflects how legal terminology often generalizes into everyday language.
The photographer packed all his paraphernalia—lenses, tripods, and filters—before the shoot.
Her desk was cluttered with the paraphernalia of a busy student: notebooks, pens, and coffee cups.
In ancient Rome, a woman’s paraphernalia were legally distinct from her husband’s estate.
The festival vendors sold colorful paraphernalia like flags, masks, and souvenirs.
Scientists require specialized paraphernalia to conduct precise experiments.