pendant

UK: ˈpɛndənt | US: ˈpɛndənt

Definition
  1. n. a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck

  2. n. an object designed to hang from a fixed support, such as a lamp or ornament

  3. n. (nautical) a short rope or chain used for securing or hanging something

Structure
pend <hang (from Latin *pendere*) + ant<noun suffix (indicating agent or object)>
Etymology

The word "pendant" traces back to the Latin verb pendere ("to hang"), which also gave rise to words like "pendulum" and "suspend." The suffix "-ant" (from Latin -antem) denotes something that performs an action or exists in a state. Thus, a "pendant" literally means "something that hangs." Over time, it specialized to refer primarily to hanging jewelry or decorative objects, reflecting its functional and aesthetic roles.

Examples
  1. She wore a silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon.

  2. The antique shop displayed a beautiful crystal pendant lamp.

  3. The sailor secured the boat's tools with a small pendant.

  4. His gift to her was a gold pendant engraved with her initials.

  5. The chandelier’s glass pendants sparkled in the sunlight.