pend-, -pens, -pense, -pending, -pended

A decorative cloth that hangs on the front of an altar, pulpit, or lectern; such as, a covering made of silk or a painted panel.

1. To add extra information to something as a supplement, especially to a document: In addition to the important letter she was going to send, she appended a note to it explaining the delay.
2. To add an authorized signature to a bill, or an official agreement, as a final part of the ratification or agreement process: The lawyer asked the elderly lady to append her handwritten name to the will.
3. To attach, or to fasten, a thing to something else: Jane tried to append the jewel to her necklace.
4. Etymology: "to hang on; to attach, as a pendant", from Latin appendere "to cause to hang (from something), to weigh"; from ad-, "to" + pendere, "to hang".

1. A body part or organ that projects from the main part of the body: An appendage can be an arm, a leg, a tail, a wing, or a fin, any of which is joined to the axis or trunk of a body.
2. That which is fastened to something else: An appendage can be a small, or a secondary, attachment, like a thorn on a rosebush.

Obsolete, pain in the lower right area of the abdomen, the region of the appendix: Bob developed a fever and pain in his abdomen, and Dr. Good said he had a condition of appendalgia involving his vermiform appendix, and sent him immediately to hospital for an operation.

1. Something that is attached, or added to, something larger or more important.
2. A person, or thing, attached or added.
3. In law, a secondary document that is attached to the main body of a legal document; such as, a codicil altering the terms of a will.

The surgical removal of an inflamed or infected appendix (appendicitis).

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissue extending from the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine. Blockage of the opening of the appendix into the bowel by a hard small stool fragment (fecalith) is believed to be a frequent cause of appendicitis.

The infected appendix must be surgically removed (emergency appendectomy), because if it becomes perforated (leaks), this can lead to infection of the entire abdominal space (peritonitis), which can be fatal.

The surgery is done while the patient is unconscious and pain-free, using general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, and the appendix is removed.

Alternatively, the appendix may be removed laparoscopically with a smaller incision, using a tiny camera to visualize the area.

If a pocket of infection (an abscess) has formed, or the appendix has ruptured, the abdomen will be thoroughly washed out during surgery, and a small tube may be left in to help drain out fluids or pus.

Inflammation of the appendix, the small worm-like projection from the first part of the colon.

Appendicitis usually involves infection of the appendix by bacteria that invade it and infect the wall of the appendix. Appendicitis can progress to produce an abscess (a pocket of pus) and even peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen and pelvis).

A small part that is joined to something larger.

The presence of concretions (solids) in the vermiform appendix.

Relating to an arm or a leg or to arms and legs.

A small tube-shaped sack connected to the large intestine (the ascending colon): The appendix was previously called the "vermiform appendix" because it was thought to be "wormlike".

A comprehensive but brief account of a subject or topic; especially, as presented in book form.

1. Pertaining to something that is briefly stated; succinct; concise.
2. Referring to anything that contains a wide range of information in a concise form.

Marked by, or a reference to, a brief expression of a comprehensive matter; concise and comprehensive.

1. A comprehensive but brief account of a subject; especially, as presented in book form.
2. A list or compilation of various items.
3. A publication containing a variety of works.