definitions

adaptive

[ uh-dap-tiv ]
/ əˈdæp tɪv /
|

adjective

serving or able to adapt; showing or contributing to adaptation: the adaptive coloring of a chameleon.

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Nearby words

adapt, adaptable, adaptation, adapter, adaption, adaptive, adaptive behavior scale, adaptive hypertrophy, adaptive optics, adaptive radiation, adaptogen

Origin of adaptive

First recorded in 1815–25; adapt + -ive

Related forms

Can be confused

adaptive adoptive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for adaptively