Appendix: meaning, definitions and examples

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appendix

[əˈpɛndɪks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

A small tube-shaped sac attached to an organ or structure, especially in the body.

Synonyms

vermiform appendix, vestigial organ.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
appendix	A small tube attached to the large intestine in the human body, which can become inflamed and cause appendicitis. The doctor said his appendix needed to be removed immediately. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes swollen.
vestigial organ	An organ or body part that has lost its original function over the course of evolution. The appendix is often cited as an example of a vestigial organ. Whales have vestigial pelvic bones that are remnants from their land-dwelling ancestors.
vermiform appendix	The medical term for the appendix, referencing its worm-like shape. The surgeon carefully examined the vermiform appendix. In medical terms, the appendix is known as the vermiform appendix.

Word

Description / Examples

appendix

A small tube attached to the large intestine in the human body, which can become inflamed and cause appendicitis.

The doctor said his appendix needed to be removed immediately.
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes swollen.

vestigial organ

An organ or body part that has lost its original function over the course of evolution.

The appendix is often cited as an example of a vestigial organ.
Whales have vestigial pelvic bones that are remnants from their land-dwelling ancestors.

vermiform appendix

The medical term for the appendix, referencing its worm-like shape.

The surgeon carefully examined the vermiform appendix.
In medical terms, the appendix is known as the vermiform appendix.

Examples of usage

The appendix is a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines.
In case of inflammation, the appendix may need to be surgically removed.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

book

Additional material at the end of a book or document.

Synonyms

addendum, supplement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
appendix	Typically found at the end of books or documents, used to provide additional information that is relevant but not central to the main content. Often used in academic or technical writing. The appendix includes detailed statistical tables for reference. Please refer to the appendix for the raw data used in the study.
supplement	Used to provide additional information that enhances or complements the main text. It can be used in various types of writings, including academic papers, books, or reports. The supplement includes case studies that illustrate the main points discussed in the book. A supplementary guide was provided to help understand the complex theories.
addendum	Used to indicate an addition or update to a document, often after the main text has been completed. Commonly seen in contracts, reports, or legal documents. An addendum was added to the contract to include the new payment terms. The report was finalized, but an addendum was later issued to correct some errors.

Word

Description / Examples

appendix

Typically found at the end of books or documents, used to provide additional information that is relevant but not central to the main content. Often used in academic or technical writing.

The appendix includes detailed statistical tables for reference.
Please refer to the appendix for the raw data used in the study.

supplement

Used to provide additional information that enhances or complements the main text. It can be used in various types of writings, including academic papers, books, or reports.

The supplement includes case studies that illustrate the main points discussed in the book.
A supplementary guide was provided to help understand the complex theories.

addendum

Used to indicate an addition or update to a document, often after the main text has been completed. Commonly seen in contracts, reports, or legal documents.

An addendum was added to the contract to include the new payment terms.
The report was finalized, but an addendum was later issued to correct some errors.

Examples of usage

The appendix of the book contains useful reference information.
Please refer to the appendix for further details.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'appendere,' which means 'to hang upon,' reflecting how this section is added at the end of a text.
In early texts, appendices served as a way to append extra notes or references that didn’t fit into the main content.

Academic Use

Appendices are often used in research papers to provide supplementary materials like raw data, charts, or detailed explanations.
In educational settings, appendices help clarify complex subjects without interrupting the main flow of information.

Literature

Many classic novels include appendices that offer insights into characters, settings, or themes that enrich the reader's understanding.
Authors may use appendices to present detailed analyses or discuss their writing process.

Health

In human anatomy, the appendix is a small organ attached to the large intestine, historically thought to have no significant function.
Recent research suggests the appendix may play a role in gut health by serving as a reservoir for beneficial gut bacteria.

Pop Culture

Popular films and novels often have 'director’s cuts' or extended editions that include appendices with deleted scenes or behind-the-scenes information.
Some fantasy books have appendices that explore invented languages or histories of the fictional world, making the experience richer for fans.

Translations

Translations of the word "appendix" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apêndice

🇮🇳 परिशिष्ट

🇩🇪 Anhang

🇮🇩 lampiran

🇺🇦 додаток

🇵🇱 dodatek

🇯🇵 付録

🇫🇷 appendice

🇪🇸 apéndice

🇹🇷 ek

🇰🇷 부록

🇸🇦 ملحق

🇨🇿 dodatek

🇸🇰 príloha

🇨🇳 附录

🇸🇮 dodatek

🇮🇸 viðauki

🇰🇿 қосымша

🇬🇪 დანართი

🇦🇿 əlavə

🇲🇽 apéndice

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,559 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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