Vocabulary Spotlight
Adjunct
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Something added to another thing but not essential to it.
“The professor was hired as an adjunct, teaching part-time in addition to his other roles.”
Pronunciation
[aj-uhngkt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Accessory
Supplement
Auxiliary
Attachment
Antonyms
Main
Primary
Principal
Necessary
Related Words
Adjunctive
Adjoin
Word Origin
The word “adjunct” derives from the Latin “adjunctus,” past participle of “adjungere,” meaning “to join.” It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
Word Family
Noun: Adjunct – An added part not essential to the whole.
Adjective: Adjunctive – Serving as an adjunct; supplementary.
Mnemonics
Think of “add-junk” – something added to the main part, like an extra but not essential piece.
Industry-specific Usage
Academia
An adjunct professor is a part-time instructor who supplements full-time faculty.
Medicine
In medicine, adjunct therapies are treatments used in addition to the primary treatment.
Business
Companies may hire adjunct staff for temporary projects to complement full-time employees.
In Context
The concept of adjunct roles is common in academia, healthcare, and other industries where supplemental or auxiliary support is sometimes needed. Adjunct roles or items can add value without being integral to the main structure.