adapter
or a·dap·tor
[ uh-dap-ter ]
/ əˈdæp tər /
noun
a person or thing that adapts.
- a connector for joining parts or devices having different sizes, designs, etc., enabling them to be fitted or to work together.
- Also called plug adapter, adapter plug.a device that connects an electrical plug to an outlet that has a different plug shape: Last time I traveled, I brought the wrong adapter.
- Also called AC adapter, power adapter.a device with a cord that plugs into an electrical outlet and functions as an external power supply for a small or portable electronic device, usually converting AC current to DC: I forgot to plug in the adapter, and my laptop died.
an accessory to convert a machine, tool, or part to a new or modified use.
Computers.
- expansion card.
- an external device containing the necessary circuitry to connect to or work with another device or system: a network adapter; a wireless adapter; a video adapter.
RELATED CONTENT
RELATED WORDS
connection, linguist, clamp, junction, coupling, joint, fastener, link, tie, bond, connector, auxiliary, extension, annex, addition, extra, fixture, accessory, adjunct, fitting
Nearby words
- adapt,
- adaptability,
- adaptable,
- adaptation,
- adapted,
- adaption,
- adaptive,
- adaptive behavior scale,
- adaptive hypertrophy,
- adaptive optics
Origin of adapter
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for adapter
adapter
1801, agent noun from adapt. Electrical engineering sense from 1907.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
adapter
n.
One that adapts.
A connecting part that joins two pieces of apparatus.
A converter of electric current to a desired form.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.