adapter

or a·dap·tor

[ uh-dap-ter ]
/ əˈdæp tər /

noun

a person or thing that adapts.
  1. a connector for joining parts or devices having different sizes, designs, etc., enabling them to be fitted or to work together.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  1. expansion card.
  2. 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.

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Origin of adapter

First recorded in 1795–1805; adapt + -er1

OTHER WORDS FROM adapter

non·a·dapt·er, non·a·dap·tor, noun

Words nearby adapter

adansonian classification, adapazari, adapt, adaptable, adaptation, adapter, adaption, adaptive, adaptive behavior scale, adaptive hypertrophy, adaptive optics
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for adaptor

British Dictionary definitions for adaptor

adaptor

adapter

/ (əˈdæptə) /

noun

a person or thing that adapts
any device for connecting two parts, esp ones that are of different sizes or have different mating fitments
  1. a plug used to connect an electrical device to a mains supply when they have different types of terminals
  2. a device used to connect several electrical appliances to a single mains socket
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for adaptor

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.