Adminicular

/ˌædmɪˈnjuːkjələr/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or functioning as a support, aid, or corroborating evidence.

Etymology

From Latin adminicularis, derived from adminiculum (support). The -ar suffix creates an adjective form. This term is used in legal, botanical, and scientific contexts to describe supporting or subsidiary elements.

Kelly Says

Botanical illustrations from the 1600s-1700s often labeled the little supporting structures as 'adminicular parts,' which sounds fancier than 'helper parts' but perfectly captures how medieval scientists loved their Latin technical vocabulary.

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