compatible
capable of existing or living together in harmony: the most compatible married couple I know.
able to exist together with something else: Prejudice is not compatible with true religion.
consistent; congruent (often followed by with): His claims are not compatible with the facts.
Botany. (of two or more different plant species or cultivars) capable of cross-pollinating: These varieties of apple trees are quite distinct one from the other, but they are compatible, with each one’s pollen fertilizing the other’s flowers.
Computers.
(of software) capable of being run on another computer without change.
(of hardware) capable of being connected to another device without the use of special equipment or software.
Electronics. (of a device, signal, etc.) capable of being used with equipment in a system without the need for special modification or conversion.
noting a system of television in which color broadcasts can be received on ordinary sets in black and white.
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.
Origin of compatible
1Other words from compatible
- com·pat·i·bil·i·ty [kuhm-pat-uh-bil-i-tee], /kəmˌpæt əˈbɪl ɪ ti/, com·pat·i·ble·ness, noun
- com·pat·i·bly, adverb
- non·com·pat·i·ble, adjective
- non·com·pat·i·bly, adverb
- non·com·pat·i·ble·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for compatible
/ (kəmˈpætəbəl) /
(usually foll by with) able to exist together harmoniously
(usually foll by with) consistent or congruous: her deeds were not compatible with her ideology
(of plants)
capable of forming successful grafts
capable of successful self-fertilization: See self-compatible, self-incompatible
(of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation: a PC-compatible disc
Origin of compatible
1Derived forms of compatible
- compatibility or compatibleness, noun
- compatibly, adverb
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
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