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• Plug and Play
  Plug and Play

  noun

  a standard for the production of compatible computers, peripherals, and software that facilitates device installation and enables automatic configuration of the system.
• plug and play
  plug and play

  noun

  computing a feature of hardware that enables computers to automatically detect and configure hardware devices without the need for intervention

Plug and Play

American  

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a standard for the production of compatible computers, peripherals, and software that facilitates device installation and enables automatic configuration of the system.

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plug and play British  

noun

1. computing a feature of hardware that enables computers to automatically detect and configure hardware devices without the need for intervention

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adjective

1. capable of detecting the addition of a new input or output device and automatically activating the appropriate control software

Etymology

Origin of Plug and Play

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

"This suggests that adding replacement neurons isn't plug and play," Baldwin says.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

Temple has also created a web app that lets anyone plug and play their own DNA that’s been sequenced by a company such as 23andMe or Ancestry.com.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2023

“We do not aim to outperform traditional multi-speaker setups but rather to offer a plug and play and wire-free solution with Devialet’s state-of-the-art sound quality,” the company says on its website.

From The Verge • Aug. 15, 2022

But, Mr. Perry said, as the metaverse gets built out, “there’s going to be more plug and play assets.”

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2021

Then plug and play - and wait to get your money back.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2016