adapter

or a·dap·tor

[ uh-dap-ter ]
See synonyms for adapter on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a person or thing that adapts.

    • a connector for joining parts or devices having different sizes, designs, etc., enabling them to be fitted or to work together.

    • Also called plug adapter, adapter plug . a device that connects an electrical plug to an outlet that has a different plug shape: Last time I traveled, I brought the wrong adapter.

    • Also called AC adapter, power adapter . a device with a cord that plugs into an electrical outlet and functions as an external power supply for a small or portable electronic device, usually converting AC current to DC: I forgot to plug in the adapter, and my laptop died.

  1. an accessory to convert a machine, tool, or part to a new or modified use.

  2. Computers.

    • an external device containing the necessary circuitry to connect to or work with another device or system: a network adapter;a wireless adapter;a video adapter.

Origin of adapter

1
First recorded in 1795–1805; adapt + -er1

Other words from adapter

  • non·a·dapt·er, non·a·dap·tor, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

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