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adapter

/əˈdæptər/
/əˈdæptə/
IPA guide

Other forms: adapters

When you have two pieces of equipment that can't be connected directly, you may need an adapter to plug one into another. You might need an adapter to connect your cellphone to a computer.

Computers, televisions, and cameras are just some of the devices that often require adapters to be charged or used in different ways. One common kind of adapter makes it possible to put a two-pronged plug into an outlet with three holes. A different way to use the word adapter is for a person who changes — or adapts — one work of art to fit in a different medium, like an adapter who writes an opera based on a comic book.

Definitions of adapter
  1. noun
    device that enables something to be used in a way different from that for which it was intended or makes different pieces of apparatus compatible
    synonyms: adaptor
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    type of:
    device
    an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
  2. noun
    a musician who adapts a composition for particular voices or instruments or for another style of performance
    synonyms: arranger, transcriber
    see moresee less
    types:
    orchestrator
    an arranger who writes for orchestras
    type of:
    musician
    artist who composes or conducts music as a profession
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