Appendical

/əˈpɛndɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or resembling an appendix or appendage; having characteristics of something attached or subordinate.

Etymology

From Latin appendix (something hung on) + -al (pertaining to). The adjective was formed to describe things that relate to or have the quality of an appendix, though it's largely replaced by more specific medical terms.

Kelly Says

Medical terminology has almost abandoned 'appendical' in favor of 'appendicular'—a shift that happened because doctors wanted clearer, more standardized Latin adjective forms. It's like how 'bacterium' replaced earlier variants!

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