adapter

American  

[uh-dap-ter] / əˈdæp tər /

Or adaptor

noun

1. a person or thing that adapts.

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

   2. Also called adapter plug.  Also called plug adapter,.  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.

   3. Also called power adapter.  Also called AC 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.

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

4. Computers.

   1. expansion card.

   2. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonadapter noun
• nonadaptor noun

Etymology

Origin of adapter

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

Example Sentences

I rely on my tiny USB-C to USB-A adapter for my life, and half the time I don’t even know where it is.

From The Verge

If you happen to be outside and don’t want wires running out of your car, there’s an adapter that plugs directly into the charge port with an outlet.

From The Verge

If you want to keep your device charged while it’s connected to the monitor, you can plug your device’s USB-C power adapter into the other USB-C port in the monitor base for passthrough charging.

From The Verge

A set of four knobs with adapters to fit most models of gas ranges costs $18.20.

From Washington Post

Members of the project develop “adapters” between their various proprietary APIs, so for example, Facebook Photos can transfer over to Google Photos without confusion.

From The Verge

Related Words

• connection