adaptive

[ uh-dap-tiv ]

adjective

1. serving or able to adapt; showing or contributing to adaptation:

   the adaptive coloring of a chameleon.

Other Words From

• a·daptive·ly adverb
• a·daptive·ness noun
• ad·ap·tiv·i·ty [ad-ap-, tiv, -i-tee], noun
• nona·daptive adjective
• rea·daptive adjective
• rea·daptive·ly adverb
• rea·daptive·ness noun
• una·daptive adjective
• una·daptive·ly adverb
• una·daptive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adaptive¹

First recorded in 1815–25; adapt + -ive

Example Sentences

But despite the seeming simplicity of blood-sucking, it takes a lot to evolve such adaptive behavior.

From Salon

Dr Elise Vernet is an adaptive optics specialist at ESO and has been overseeing development of the five giant mirrors that will gather and channel light to the telescope’s measuring equipment.

From BBC

She said she would also aim to develop adaptive reuse zoning and subsidized housing.

From Los Angeles Times

The organization praised what it described as California’s “adaptive management,” saying in a press release that recent research has indicated these water releases “are not providing the benefits to Delta smelt that were originally hypothesized in 2008.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles area offers a range of adaptive sports opportunities, allowing you to try out activities if you were inspired by the Paralympics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flexible