noun / verb

supplement

SUP-lih-muhnt/ˈsʌplɪmənt/

An addition that completes, improves, or increases something.

The extra leaf provides a supplement to the table's usable surface.

An extra wooden leaf is inserted into the center of an extended dining table, completing a larger usable surface, two hands guide the additional panel into its gap.

Etymology

supLatinup from below

+pleLatinto fill

+mentLatinmeans or result

The pieces express filling something up: a supplement originally supplied what was missing to make something whole. This idea extends to additions that improve or expand an existing work or thing.

In context

Solomon Nelson5:26

athletes who need that extra little bit of buffering for actual muscle growth I mean are we going to consider protein powder a supplement is that a food

Best Supplements for Muscle Growth and Health Ft. Lyle McDonald

More examples

She supplements her income by tutoring on weekends.
The report includes a supplement with updated sales figures.
We supplemented the meal with fresh fruit.

Forms

supplement · supplements · supplemented · supplementing

supplemental adjective — Added to provide extra help or information.

Similar words

addition: Anything added, whether or not it improves the original.
complement: Something that completes another thing or fits it especially well.
augment: To increase something's size or amount, not necessarily complete it.