repurpose

/ˌriˈpɜrpəs/

Other forms: repurposed; repurposing

When you repurpose something, you use it again in an entirely new way. You might decide to repurpose rinsed-out yogurt containers to grow flower seedlings on your windowsill.

When you adapt anything to a new function, you repurpose it, from the newspaper you repurpose to line your hamster's cage to the old tablet your dad has repurposed for reading recipes in the kitchen while he cooks. In technology, this verb is often used for information that's used again in updated formats. The word first appeared around 1983, from re-, "anew," and purpose, "to have as an objective or intention."

Definitions of repurpose

1. verb

   adapt for a new use or format
   type of:

   accommodate, adapt

   make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose