- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- an accessory to convert a machine, tool, or part to a new or modified use.
- Computers.
- expansion card.
- 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.
