[L. appendix.] This is a name given of late years to inflammation of the vermiform appendix, a small, finger-shaped tube, depending from the large intestine. Many deaths in the past whose cause was unknown, may have been due to it. If severe, it is now often healed surgically, the abdomen being opened and the inflamed appendix removed, or otherwise treated.

Ap'ple, [AS.] One of the most widely diffused of fruit-trees, growing best in the colder parts of the temperate zone; also its fruit. The tree attains a moderate height, with spreading branches bearing beautiful flowers that have a delicate fragrance. The fruit is roundish in shape, with a depression at each end. The original of the cultivated apple is the wild apple or crab-tree, found in most of the countries of Europe. Though there were no apples in America when it was first settled, trees were introduced, and some of the finest apples, such as greenings, baldwins, Newtown pippins, etc., are now grown, and sent in large quantities to Europe, China and India. The number of varieties of the apple produced by cultivation is very large, and it is perhaps the most useful to man of all the fruits. The wood of the apple-tree is hard, close-grained, and often richly colored, and is used by turners and cabinet-makers.