m-pat-uh-buh
l]
| 1. | capable of existing or living together in harmony: the most compatible married couple I know. |
| 2. | able to exist together with something else: Prejudice is not compatible with true religion. |
| 3. | consistent; congruous (often fol. by with): His claims are not compatible with the facts. |
| 4. | Computers.
|
| 5. | Electronics. (of a device, signal, etc.) capable of being used with equipment in a system without the need for special modification or conversion. |
| 6. | noting a system of television in which color broadcasts can be received on ordinary sets in black and white. |
| 7. | 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. |
compatible com·pat·i·ble (kəm-pāt'ə-bəl)
adj.
Capable of existing or performing in harmonious or agreeable combination.
Capable of being grafted, transfused, or transplanted from one individual to another without reaction or rejection.
Capable of forming a chemically or biochemically stable system.
compatible jargon
Different systems (e.g., programs, file formats, protocols, even programming languages) that can work together or exchange data are said to be compatible.
See also backward compatible, forward compatible.
(1998-01-15)