adapter

Etymology

From adapt + -er.

noun

1. One who is capable of adapting to differing situations.
   He was an able adapter, and could easily adjust to the differences when the company changed ownership.
2. One who adapts a thing, e.g. a play.
   The critic gave rave reviews to the adapter of the ancient play, who worked to give the text more relevance to the modern day.
3. A device or application used to achieve operative compatibility between devices that otherwise are incompatible.
   1. Specifically, a device that permits two or more plugs to be used at a single electrical power point.
      The wall outlet sprouted an electrical monstrosity of adapters plugged into adapters that sparked ominously.
   2. Specifically, a device that allows one format of plug to be used with a different format of socket.
      We bought adapters to use our three-prong plugs in the two-prong, unpolarized outlets of the old house.
   3. Specifically, an AC adapter: a device that reduces voltage and converts AC to DC to allow a battery-powered device to use mains power.
      I lost my cellphone's adapter so I couldn't recharge it.