Definition of adaptive
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
- 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
