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

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

Data centre compatibility with emissions goals "is unlikely for another decade", he told AFP.

From Barron's

Rather than decrying that “dating surveys show two-thirds of Americans insist on political compatibility, and 1 in 6 have ended relationships over it,” professionals might recognize that political views reflect values.

From The Wall Street Journal

The researchers first tested the supplement's compatibility with human cells, then evaluated its effects in mice with iron-deficiency anemia.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• rapport
• unity