An accessory is a secondary element, which usually provides an additional or non-essential benefit. For example: the radio in a car.
Accessory is that which is secondary, that depends on the main thing or that is joined by accident. The term refers to auxiliary utensils that are used to perform a certain job or that allow complementary operation of a machine.
Latin is the language from which, etymologically speaking, the term that we are now going to analyze in depth emanates. Specifically, we can make it clear that it is the result of the sum of the word accesus , which is synonymous with “entrance or approach”, and the suffix – orium , which can be translated as “relationship”.
Uses of an accessory
Generally, an accessory is not used continuously; instead, it is used only when the user needs a particular feature . For example: a scanner is an accessory of a computer and is put into operation when the person wants to digitize some type of document. During the rest of the time, the scanner is not necessary for the operation of the computer.
In the agricultural field it can be said that there are also various types of accessories. Thus, for example, we find the fact that every tractor has a series of elements of this type, called implements , which are used by the farmer at different times with the clear objective of carrying out each of the necessary activities. That is, there will be accessories for tilling, for watering, for fertilizing or for sowing.
Its presence in cars, phones and clothing
In a car , the essential elements are the engine, the four wheels, the steering wheel, etc. On the other hand, the spare wheel, the warning triangles and the radio are accessories. The different casings, hanging decorations and supports to leave them in a vertical position, meanwhile, are mobile phone accessories.
Pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings , certain scarves and hats, among others, are fashion accessories . These are products that are not essential for clothing , but rather fulfill a decorative or aesthetic function.
A necklace is a fashion accessory.
accessory penalty
Nor can we overlook the fact that within the law there is a term that uses the word in question, although in the feminine form. We are referring to what is known as accessory punishment , which is one that, irremediably, is linked to another main type.
Thus, for example, we find that the punishment of a person who is sentenced to prison entails a series of accessory penalties. Specifically, among the latter would be subjection to surveillance, civil interdiction and also the suspension of a series of rights.
The concept in architecture and urban planning
The concept of accessory is also applied in architecture and urban planning. An accessory building is one that is adjacent to another main building and that depends on it. On the other hand, accessory rooms are low rooms that have a different entrance and a separate use from the rest of the main building.
In the same way, there is also what is known as an accessory door . This is the one that is located in the same building as the other main ones.