retrofit

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

/ verb ˈrɛ troʊˌfɪt, ˌrɛ troʊˈfɪt; noun, adjective ˈrɛ troʊˌfɪt /

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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.

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Origin of retrofit

retro- + fit¹

OTHER WORDS FROM retrofit

ret·ro·fit·ta·ble, adjective

Words nearby retrofit

retrocuspid papilla, retrodeviation, retrodirective, retrodisplacement, retrofire, retrofit, retroflex, retroflexion, retrofocus lens, retrognathism, retrogradation

Example sentences from the Web for retrofit

Tome says there aren’t current plans to retrofit existing consumer cars with the technology.
Ford is researching safety tech allowing bikes, e-scooters to ‘talk’ to cars|Dalvin Brown|January 13, 2021|Washington Post
It warned other elevator companies about the danger, retrofitted some of its elevators and pushed for new industry safety standards.
After years of devastating home elevator accidents, first safety recall announced|Todd Frankel|December 17, 2020|Washington Post
JaMarcus put up a front as he lost control of his body, which was retrofitted to be plugged into the machines.
For Years, JaMarcus Crews Tried to Get a New Kidney, but Corporate Healthcare Stood in the Way|by Lizzie Presser|December 15, 2020|ProPublica
While Walmart’s vehicles are Ford vans retrofitted with autonomous driving tech, the Loblaw fleet will consist of larger, refrigerated box trucks.
Autonomous delivery startup Gatik raises $25 million in Series A funding|dzanemorris|November 23, 2020|Fortune

Until Silver Spring, Bradyl had only retrofitted storage space in existing buildings.
After reimagining apartment storage, Bradyl bloomed|Thomas Heath|November 22, 2020|Washington Post
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|DAILY BEAST
Intelligent adaptors and switches that would retrofit energy-based devices at home so they can communicate with smart meters.
Are You on the Smart Grid?|Daily Beast Promotions|September 13, 2010|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for retrofit

retrofit

/ (ˈrɛtrəʊˌfɪt) /

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

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retrofit

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

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