a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit.

Law .

Also called accessory before the fact. a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony.

Also called accessory after the fact. a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony. Compare principal ( def. 9b ) .

Anatomy . accessory nerve.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary.

Law . giving aid as an accessory.

Petrography . (of a mineral) being present in small amounts in a rock and having no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite.

noun

principal

noun

accent , addition , adjunct , adornment , appendage , appendix , appliance , appurtenance , attachment , component , decoration , extension , extra , frill , help , supplement , trim , trimming , abettor , accomplice , aid , aide , assistant , associate , co-conspirator , colleague , confederate , conspirator , helper , insider , partner , plant * , ringer , shill , stall * , subordinate , accompaniment , accouterment , accoutrement , addendum , additional , additive , add on , ally , auxiliary , buddy , coadjutor , collaborator , complementary , concomitant , confrere , contributor , contributory , crony , incidental , parergon , plus , satellite , secondary , subservient , subsidiary , tool

adjective

ancillary , assistant , collateral , contributory , subsidiary , supportive