accompaniment

Etymology

From French accompagnement; equivalent to accompany + -ment. First attested in 1744.

noun

1. (music) A part, usually performed by instruments, that gives support or adds to the background in music, or adds for ornamentation; also, the harmony of a figured bass.
   Brooks performed a saxophone solo on stage, with Robert as accompaniment on the bass.
2. That which accompanies; something that attends as a circumstance, or which is added to give greater completeness to the principal thing, or by way of ornament, or for the sake of symmetry.
   A side salad is a common accompaniment to a main dish.