compatibility

American  

[kuhm-pat-uh-bil-i-tee] / kəmˌpæt əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the natural ability to live or work together in harmony because of well-matched characteristics.

   In earlier times, love and compatibility were not the main considerations in finding a suitable spouse.

2. the quality or fact of being in agreement; consistency.

   Her essay questions the presumed compatibility of capitalism and democracy.

3. Computers. the ability to be used with a certain operating system or piece of hardware or software without the need for special adaptations.

   Before installing the application, check the compatibility of your device.

4. the ability to function or be integrated with other parts of any system, whether biological or technical.

   Terasaki devised the first tissue-typing method to assess the compatibility of organ donors and recipients.

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Etymology

Origin of compatibility

First recorded in 1605–15; equivalent to Medieval Latin compatibili(s) + Latin -tās; compatible ( def. ), -ty ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

There are many questions these AZA matchmakers ask themselves before making breeding recommendations, and they extend beyond genetic and personality compatibility: Will these animals be able to create subgroups?

From Los Angeles Times

The latter type offers the best compatibility across web browsers and operating systems.

From The Wall Street Journal

These included the removal of xenoantigens and the addition of human transgenes designed to improve compatibility with the human immune and coagulation systems.

From Science Daily

Once that happens, its Nvidia and AWS compatibility means companies would be able to put it into production “the next day,” Pathway said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another critical issue involves compatibility with today's internet infrastructure.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• rapport
• unity