Appendices

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Supplementary materials or additional documents included at the end of a book or report
2. extra layers of information providing clarification or supporting details
3. lists or collections of items that further elaborate on the main content of a text

Etymology: "Appendices" is the plural of "appendix", a Latin noun formed from "appendere", meaning "to hang something on" or "to attach", built from "ad" ("to") and "pendere" ("to hang"). The same verb sits behind "pendant" and "pendulum", all things that hang. The Latin noun carried the sense of something attached to a larger whole, and English borrowed it with that meaning intact. The plural form "appendices" keeps the Latin ending, which is why English has two plurals for this noun. "Appendixes" is also accepted, especially in general and American usage, while "appendices" remains the traditional choice for supplementary matter in books and reports, where it is the usual form for the attached sections at the back.

Synonyms: supplements, attachments, addenda, annexes