adjunct

 
Pronunciation: /ˈadʒʌŋ(k)t/

noun

  • 1a thing added to something else as a supplementary rather than an essential part: computer technology is an adjunct to learning
  • a person who is another’s assistant or subordinate: a talented adjunct desperately grabbing at officer status
  • 2 Grammar a word or phrase that constitutes an optional element or is considered of secondary importance in a sentence, for example on the table in we left some flowers on the table.
  • (in systemic grammar) an obligatory or optional adverbial functioning as a constituent of clause structure.

adjective

[attributive]
  • connected or added to something: other adjunct therapies include immunotherapy
  • North American (of an academic post) attached to the staff of a university in a temporary or assistant capacity: an adjunct professor of entomology

Derivatives

adjunctive

Pronunciation: /əˈdʒʌŋ(k)tɪv/
adjective

Origin:

early 16th century (as an adjective meaning 'joined on, subordinate'): from Latin adjunctus, past participle of adjungere (see adjoin)

Grammar

Adjuncts are adverbials that add more information to a sentence. They can provide additional information about: where things happen At low tide you can cross the bays on the beach. when things happen I cannot sleep at night. how things happen I found out how to do this by accident. why things happen No one is turned away because of a lack of means. the purpose of an action I still send her a Christmas card each year for old times' sake. condition (If this happens, then that happens.) Leslie had left no letter for me to read in the event of his death. concession (Even if this happens, still that happens.) Despite all its efforts, America still has its racists. degree (Answering the question ‘How much?’) I wouldn’t worry at all.