Dictionary

paraphernalia

noun plural but singular or plural in construction par·a·pher·na·lia \ˌper-ə-fə(r)-ˈnāl-yə, ˌpa-rə-\

: objects that are used to do a particular activity : objects of a particular kind

Full Definition of PARAPHERNALIA

1
:  the separate real or personal property of a married woman that she can dispose of by will and sometimes according to common law during her life
2
:  personal belongings
3
a :  articles of equipment :  furnishings
b :  accessory items :  appurtenances
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Examples of PARAPHERNALIA

  1. Mind if we pick through your personal effects? The King of Scrounge, an American serviceman, has crammed his local apartment with enough salvaged paraphernalia to equip a battalion. —Garry Trudeau, New York Times, 25 June 1991

Origin of PARAPHERNALIA

Medieval Latin, ultimately from Greek parapherna bride's property beyond her dowry, from para- + phernē dowry, from pherein to bear — more at bear
First Known Use: 1651

Rhymes with PARAPHERNALIA

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