paraphernalia

Etymology

The origin of the word is Ancient Greek παρά (pará) + φερνή (phernḗ) (“things additional to a dowry”). In the propertied classes, a dowry was placed under the control of the husband, while the 'paraphernalia' which she brought with her remained the wife’s property.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌpæɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌpɛɹəfɚˈneɪli.ə/, /ˌpɛɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -eɪliə
• Hyphenation: par‧a‧pher‧na‧lia

Noun

paraphernalia (uncountable)

1. (plural only) Miscellaneous items, especially the set of equipment required for a particular activity; stuff.

   He has an impressive collection of bicycling paraphernalia, but he doesn't ride very often anymore.

2. (archaic) Things a woman owns, apart from her dowry.