affix

noun

1. 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 word into its opposite, as from “do” to “undo,” altering its meaning entirely.”

2. (uncommon)That which is affixed; an appendage.
3. The complex number a+bi associated with the point in the Gauss plane with coordinates (a,b).
4. Any small feature, as a figure, a flower, or the like, added for ornament to a vessel or other utensil, to an architectural feature.

verb

1. (transitive)To 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 […]”

   “On a recent afternoon a work crew and crane were affixing the tall lettering to the side of the team’s new stadium, just off the autobahn in Sinsheim, a few miles from Hoffenheim.”

2. (transitive)To 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”

3. (ditransitive)To 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...”