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; specifically : of, relating to, or being a heritable trait that serves a specifc function and improves an organism's fitness or survival Webbed feet is an adaptive trait in aquatic animals.
2a : designed or intended to assist disabled persons : assistive adaptive devicesb : engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability adaptive skiingc : participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for disability an adaptive skier
adaptively
adverbadaptiveness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of adaptive from the Web
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To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
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Free agent Pachulia fit the Warriors’ needs: tough, adaptive, low-maintenance and cheap.
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Some of that feedback can be attributed to the aforementioned adaptive dampers and the stiffening of other primary suspension components, from the mounting points to the anti-roll bars to the springs and bushings.
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Last year, the event raised more than $2 million from donations and sponsorships that went to building homes for veterans, adaptive training for those who came home injured, support for mental health programs and more.
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All but the base model come with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
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Since its launch in September 1998, this adaptive content distribution service has attracted high-traffic Web sites like Intuit and E!
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adaptive'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of adaptive
1760
Medical Dictionary
adaptive
playMedical Definition of adaptive
1: capable of, suited to, or contributing to adaptation … adaptive traits that enhance survival and diversification of species …—Science News 1 Feb. 1986
2a: 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, 15 Dec. 1995b: 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), 17 Feb. 2010c: 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, 10 Jan. 2007
adaptively
adverbadaptiveness
nounLearn More about adaptive
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Britannica English: Translation of adaptive for Arabic speakers
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