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definitions

compatible

[ kuh m-pat-uh-buh l ]
/ kəmˈpæt ə bəl /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR compatible ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

noun

something, as a machine or piece of electronic equipment, that is designed to perform the same tasks as another, often in the same way and using virtually identical parts, programmed instructions, etc.: Software written for one computer will probably run on its close compatibles.

RELATED WORDS

unity, rapport, empathy, fit, sympathy, congeniality, amity, agreement, congruity, consonance, agreeableness, affinity

Nearby words

  1. compassionate,
  2. compassionate conservative,
  3. compassionately,
  4. compaternity,
  5. compathy,
  6. compatriot,
  7. compazine,
  8. compañera,
  9. compañero,
  10. compañia

Origin of compatible

1425–75; late Middle English < Medieval Latin compatibilis, derivative of Late Latin compatī (Latin com- com- + patī to suffer, undergo). See -ible
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for compatibility

British Dictionary definitions for compatibility

compatible

/ (kəmˈpætəbəl) /

adjective

(usually foll by with) able to exist together harmoniously
(usually foll by with) consistent or congruousher deeds were not compatible with her ideology
(of plants)
  1. capable of forming successful grafts
  2. capable of successful self-fertilizationSee self-compatible, self-incompatible
(of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptationa PC-compatible disc
Derived Formscompatibility or compatibleness, nouncompatibly, adverb

Word Origin for compatible

C15: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compatī to be in sympathy with; see compassion
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
Word Origin and History for compatibility

compatible

adj.

mid-15c., from Middle French compatible (15c.), from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compati (see compassion). Related: Compatibility.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for compatibility

compatible

[ kəm-păt′ə-bəl ]

adj.

Capable of existing or performing in harmonious or agreeable combination.
Capable of being grafted, transfused, or transplanted from one individual to another without reaction or rejection.
Capable of forming a chemically or biochemically stable system.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.