/ˈæf.ɪks/, /əˈfɪks/
OriginBorrowed from Latin affixus, perfect passive participle of affigere (from ad- + figere). By surface analysis, a(f)- + fix.
- A bound morpheme added to a word’s stem, such as a prefix or suffix.
“A prefix is an affix that joins to the beginning of another word. Depending on the prefix, it can slightly or significantly alter the meaning of a word. For example, the English prefix “un-” changes a”
- uncommonThat which is affixed; an appendage.
- The complex number a+bi associated with the point in the Gauss plane with coordinates (a,b).
- Any small feature, as a figure, a flower, or the like, added for ornament to a vessel or other utensil, to an architectural feature.
- transitiveTo attach.
“to affix a stigma to a person”
“to affix ridicule or blame to somebody”
“Should they [caterpillars] affix them to the leaves of a plant improper for their food […]”
- transitiveTo subjoin, annex, or add at the close or end; to append to.
“to affix a syllable to a word”
“to affix a seal to an instrument”
“to affix one’s name to a writing”
- ditransitiveTo fix or fasten figuratively.
“eyes affixed upon the ground”
“Look thou no further, but affix thine eye/On that bright, shiny, round, still moving mass,/The house of blessed gods, which men call sky,/All sow'd with glist'ring stars more thick than grass...”
Formsaffixes(plural) · affixes(present, singular, third-person) · affixing(participle, present) · affixed(participle, past) · affixed(past)