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If you abridge a book or play, you make it shorter by making cuts to the original.
An addendum is an additional section added to the end of a book, document, or speech that gives more information.
An adjunct is something that is added to or joined to something else that is larger or more important.
Something that happens unexpectedly and by chance that is not inherent or natural to a given item or situation is adventitious, such as a root appearing in an unusual place on a plant.
When something is ancillary to something else, such as a workbook to a textbook, it supports it but is less important than that which it supports.
An appurtenance is a supporting feature, form of equipment, or item associated with a particular activity.
Attrition is the process of gradually decreasing the strength of something—such as an army or workforce—by continually weakening it or decreasing it in size.
To augment something is to increase its value or effectiveness by adding something to it.
A cardinal rule or quality is considered to be the most important or basic in a set of rules or qualities.
Something is concomitant when it happens at the same time as something else and is connected with it in some fashion.
The crux of a problem or argument is the most important or difficult part of it that affects everything else.
If you curtail something, you reduce or limit it.
A diminution of something is a reduction in the size, number, or importance of it.
To efface something is to erase or remove it completely from recognition or memory.
An entourage is a group of assistants, servants, and other people who tag along with an important person.
When you excise something, you remove it by cutting it out.
Paraphernalia is the equipment that one uses to do something or one’s personal belongings collected over a period of time.
To pare something down is to reduce or lessen it.
Noun
accoutrement
uh-KOO-truh-muhnt
Context
A soldier’s uniform generally includes several accoutrements or accessories in addition to the clothing itself: belt, weapon, communication device, etc. Originally a military term, the word accoutrement is now used to describe the extra gear of any specific activity or status. The accoutrements of wealth, for example, might include expensive cars or vacation homes; the accoutrements of a professional gymnast might involve a balance beam, the rings, chalk, and uniforms.
Quiz:Try again!
What is an accoutrement?
An essential extra that belongs to a specific activity or state.
A Scooter Mint Those who ride scooters swallow nasty-tasting bugs. So they need to pack "scooter mints" for every ride.
Examples
He had this roomy pouch, a strange accoutrement, intricately strung and hung at the ready, a rare patchwork of devilishly fitting dragon-skins.
—
from _Beowulf_
To enter one of the cozy cabins, accessorized with hunting and fishing accoutrement[s]—a nod to the area’s roots—is to feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a secret bungalow that’s been perfectly preserved for a century.
—
SFGate
During the swear-in ceremony, we incorporate a badge pinning that is usually done by a loved one. . . . I advise the newly minted deputies that the badge is the most important accoutrement they’ll have as a peace officer. The symbolism of the badge, whether it’s a star-shape or an oval, is always the same. It represents an ancient warrior’s shield—a shield of protection.
—
Santa Barbara News-Press
Here was Hand arriving at Wednesday’s bright and early ceremony at Woodbridge. “For real, I was focused on this bow tie,” Hand said, referring to the Crimson-colored accoutrement he wore to Wednesday’s ceremony. “I tied a bow tie by myself, for the first time. I watched a little video on YouTube, and I know how to tie one now.”
—
The Washington Post
An accoutrement is something that is specifically “sewn together towards or on behalf of” a particular activity that one does.
Word Theater
Stargate SG-1 The sleeping platforms don't need accoutrements since they adjust automatically to body temperature.
The panel shows a small video clip of either the word in actual use or a scene that represents the meaning of a word. This not only breaks up the monotony of studying words but also provides another avenue to strengthen word meaning. Enjoy!
Word Constellation
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Related Words
addendum ·
adjunct ·
adventitious ·
ancillary ·
appurtenance+ ·
augment ·
concomitant ·
entourage ·
paraphernalia+ ·
abridge ·
attrition ·
cardinal ·
crux ·
curtail ·
diminution ·
efface ·
excise ·
pare ·
Similar sense
Opposite sense
Word Variants
accouterment
n
→
spelling variant of "accoutrement"
The section lists important variants and alternate definitions of the headword. Knowing variants will often help you both remember and understand the word. Not all variants are listed - only the ones we think that are important for you to know.
