Supplementary

Supplementary is an adjective meaning added to complete, support, or enhance something that already exists. It is used to describe materials, information, services, or resources that accompany a primary item but are not essential to its core function. The term comes from Latin supplementum, meaning something that fills up or completes.

In mathematics, supplementary describes a relationship between two angles: a pair whose measures add up to 180 degrees. This contrasts with complementary angles, which sum to 90 degrees. The concept is fundamental in geometry and trigonometry and is often applied to problems involving lines and polygons.

In publishing and academia, supplementary information or materials are items provided to accompany a main document, such as appendices, methods, datasets, figures, or tables. These materials may be hosted online or included at the end of a report. They are intended to support transparency and reproducibility but are not considered essential to the main text.

In nutrition and health contexts, supplementary information may refer to nutrients or foods added to an ordinary diet, such as dietary supplements or fortified products. In education and public policy, supplementary programs or funding are additional resources designed to support primary curricula or services.

See also supplementary information, supplementary materials, supplementary angles, and appendix.