retrofit

[verb re-troh-fit, re-troh-fit; noun, adjective re-troh-fit]

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verb (used with object), ret·ro·fit·ted or ret·ro·fit, ret·ro·fit·ting.

to modify equipment (in airplanes, automobiles, a factory, etc.) that is already in service using parts developed or made available after the time of original manufacture.

to install, fit, or adapt (a device or system) for use with something older: to retrofit solar heating to a poorly insulated house.

verb (used without object), ret·ro·fit·ted or ret·ro·fit, ret·ro·fit·ting.

(of new or modified parts, equipment, etc.) to fit into or onto existing equipment.

to replace existing parts, equipment, etc., with updated parts or systems.

noun

something that has been retrofitted.

an instance of updating, enlarging, etc., with new or modified equipment: A retrofit could save thousands of dollars.

adjective

being or characterized by a retrofit: retrofit units.

Origin of retrofit

retro- + fit¹

Related formsret·ro·fit·ta·ble, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for retrofit

modify, reconstruct, recycle, tweak, furnish, render, modernize, overhaul, add, install

Examples from the Web for retrofit

Contemporary Examples of retrofit

Portland, Oregon, surprisingly late to the party, is launching a retrofit this year.
Los Angeles Has Swapped Out 140,000 Street Lights for Highly Efficient LEDS
William O’Connor
June 20, 2013

British Dictionary definitions for retrofit

retrofit

verb -fits, -fitting or -fitted

(tr) to equip (a vehicle, piece of equipment, etc) with new parts, safety devices, etc, after manufacture

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 retrofit

1954, from retro- + fit (v.). Related: Retrofitted; retrofitting. As a noun, 1956, from the verb.