adaptive

adjective

adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce adaptive (audio)
a-
1
: providing, contributing to, or marked by adaptation : arising as a result of adaptation
… left ventricular hypertrophy should not be considered solely an adaptive response to an increased ventricular workload.Edward D. Frohlich et al.
An effort to identify the healthy adaptive need that is being met by a patient's behavior can result in increased empathy for the patient.Thomas O. Brackett
specifically : of, relating to, or being a heritable trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
Webbed feet is an adaptive trait in aquatic animals.
2
a
: designed or intended to assist disabled persons : assistive
adaptive devices
b
: engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
adaptive skiing
c
: participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for disability
an adaptive skier
adaptively adverb
adaptiveness noun
adaptivity noun

Examples of adaptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Reconfigurable transistors open up possibilities for hardware security solutions, novel applications in analog circuits, and advancements in neuromorphic computing, enabling self-learning and adaptive systems, according to Wind. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Mar. 2024 Moreover, the company is working to add an AI functionality with a generative AI query-building option while eventually integrating predictive and adaptive AI to augment lab testing and decision-making procedures. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 Stock up on vitamin D Like serotonin, vitamin D works to support both the adaptive and innate immune responses in the body. Georgia Day, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024 Understanding integrated, adaptive systems is extremely difficult. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 Target's latest collection also boasts adaptive collections in the kids' size ranges. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024 Related article Opinion: Tesla’s response to auto recall isn’t reassuring Some automakers actually market adaptive driving features the Institute feels are unsafe. Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 An egg hunt for children with sensory sensitivities or adaptive needs is from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 Danny Morrison, 16, a junior who also tested in Atlanta, found the adaptive math questions more difficult. Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -ive

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptive was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near adaptive

Cite this Entry

“Adaptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

adaptive

adjective
adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce adaptive (audio)
1
: capable of, suited to, or contributing to adaptation
adaptive traits that enhance survival and diversification of species …Science News
2
a
: used to assist a person with a disability in performing a certain task or activity : assistive
Adaptive equipment might include Braille keyboards, voice synthesizers and adjustable-height computer tables.Stuart Gordon, The Modesto (California) Bee
b
: engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
It is called wheelchair basketball, an adaptive sport for disabled people …James Nix, The Independent Tribune (Concord, North Carolina)
c
: participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
Ever seen those inspirational adaptive skiers cranking down the mountain in their ski chairs, or with a blind skier guide?Moira McCarthy, The Boston Herald
adaptively adverb
adaptiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on adaptive

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