attachment

n. Something, usually a document, that is loosely bound or fastened to a document; an annex.

Notes

'Attachment' often describes a file, sent as part of an email message, that is read using a program other than the email reader. Such an electronic attachment may be symbolized by a digital image representing a traditional paper fastener, the paper clip. For example, a word-processing document sent with an email. An attachment is distinguished from an appendix by the fact that it is created independently of the larger document.