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paraphernalia

noun

/ˌparəfəˈneɪlɪə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of paraphernalia

A collection of equipment, tools, or other items used for a particular purpose or activity.
"The trade show booth was adorned with promotional paraphernalia."

Detailed meaning of paraphernalia

It can be used to describe a wide range of things, including personal possessions, tools, or equipment. For example, a scientist's laboratory might be filled with scientific paraphernalia, or a musician's instrument case might be filled with musical paraphernalia. It can also be used in a more informal way to describe the items associated with a particular hobby or activity, such as fishing paraphernalia or camping paraphernalia.
The term implies a collection of equipment, tools or items, and suggests that the person, thing or situation described as paraphernalia is associated with a specific purpose or activity, it implies a sense of specialization or specific use.
It is important to note that paraphernalia does not necessarily imply a negative aspect, it can also refer to a collection of items that are useful, necessary or enjoyable for the person or thing that uses them.

Example sentences containing paraphernalia

1. The detective found a room filled with drug paraphernalia during the raid.
2. The police found various drug paraphernalia in the suspect's house.
3. She carefully organized her camping paraphernalia, including tents, sleeping bags, and cookware.
4. The magician's table was covered in various paraphernalia used for his tricks.
5. The garage was cluttered with gardening paraphernalia, from shovels to watering cans.
6. The museum displayed a collection of ancient Egyptian burial paraphernalia.

History and etymology of paraphernalia

The noun 'paraphernalia' has its roots in Latin, specifically from the term 'paraphernalia bona,' which means 'the wife's property apart from her dowry.' In Roman law, it referred to the personal property that a woman brought into a marriage, distinct from the dowry that her husband provided. Over time, the meaning of 'paraphernalia' evolved, and by the late 18th century, it had come to signify a collection of various items or equipment used for a specific purpose or activity. In modern English, 'paraphernalia' typically refers to the tools, equipment, or accessories associated with a particular hobby, profession, or endeavor, such as sports paraphernalia, cooking paraphernalia, or even drug paraphernalia, depending on the context.

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Further usage examples of paraphernalia

1. The backpacker packed all the necessary hiking paraphernalia for the wilderness adventure.
2. The police confiscated a stash of illegal gambling paraphernalia during the raid.
3. The kitchen was equipped with all the baking paraphernalia needed to make a cake.
4. He set up a home gym in his basement with weights, mats, and other exercise paraphernalia.
5. The artist's studio was a treasure trove of art paraphernalia, from brushes to canvases.
6. The antique store had a section dedicated to vintage photography paraphernalia.
7. The classroom was filled with science experiment paraphernalia, from test tubes to microscopes.
8. The musician's tour bus was loaded with musical paraphernalia, including instruments and amplifiers.
9. The forensic scientist used various forensic paraphernalia to examine the crime scene.
10. The firefighter carried a bag filled with firefighting paraphernalia, such as hoses and nozzles.
11. The coffee connoisseur had a collection of coffee paraphernalia, including grinders and French presses.
12. The fisherman gathered his fishing paraphernalia before heading to the lake.
13. The film director's office was cluttered with filmmaking paraphernalia, from scripts to storyboards.
14. The archaeologist unearthed a trove of ancient pottery and ceramic paraphernalia.
15. The sewing enthusiast had a room dedicated to sewing paraphernalia, including fabrics, needles, and sewing machines.