appendix

/ə'pendiks/

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Sure! Let's break down the word "appendix."

Definition:

1. Medical Meaning: In anatomy, an "appendix" is a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine. It doesn't have a clear function in the body, which is why it's often called a "vestigial organ." Sometimes, people may need to have their appendix removed if it becomes inflamed (this condition is called appendicitis).

2. Book Meaning: In literature or academic writing, an "appendix" refers to extra information added at the end of a book or document. This might include charts, graphs, tables, or additional notes that help explain or provide more context to the main content.

Usage Instructions:

• When you use "appendix" in a medical context, it usually refers to the body part.
• When referring to books or documents, it relates to supplementary material.

Examples:

• Medical: "He had to go to the hospital because his appendix was inflamed."
• Literary: "The report included an appendix with detailed statistics."

Advanced Usage:

• Medical Context: "The surgeon performed an appendectomy to remove the patient's appendix."
• Literary Context: "The research paper contained several appendices that provided additional data for the study."

Word Variants:

• Adjective: "Appendicular" (related to the appendix, often used in medical contexts).
• Noun: "Appendicitis" (the inflammation of the appendix).

Different Meanings:

• In addition to its medical and literary meanings, "appendix" can also refer to any additional material or section that is added to something, like an appendix in a legal document.

Synonyms:

• For the book context: "supplement," "addition," "attachment."
• For the medical context, there aren't direct synonyms, but you might hear "vermiform appendix" (the full name).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically include "appendix." However, you might come across phrases like "turn to the appendix" when someone is instructed to refer to the extra material at the end of a book.

Summary:

The word "appendix" can refer to a small body part that can cause health issues or to additional information at the end of a book.

Academic

Noun

1. a vestigial process that extends from the lower end of the cecum and that resembles a small pouch
2. supplementary material that is collected and appended at the back of a book

Synonyms

• vermiform appendix
• vermiform process
• cecal appendage