adaptive

adjective

adap·tive | \ ə-ˈdap-tiv

, a- \

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 specific 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 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

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Examples of adaptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its steering is direct, its brake pedal is firm, and the Denali's standard adaptive dampers help control body motions and isolate the ride despite the 22-inch rims. — Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 10 May 2022 The Hammond Redevelopment Commission approved three projects: An adaptive re-use of an iconic bank building in downtown Hammond; a fourth-generation Illinois company coming to Hammond; and the expansion of a longtime Woodmar manufacturing company. — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2022 Many are eager to get back to the office, but others want a more adaptive approach. — oregonlive, 6 May 2022 Indoor climbing offers physical, social and psychological benefits, including camaraderie, according to a US Department of Veterans Affairs study on adaptive rock climbing for those with disabilities. — Melanie Radzicki Mcmanus, CNN, 5 May 2022 This beauty features layers of TEMPUR-Breeze Gel on both sides, which helps keep sleepers cool at night and enjoy adaptive support. — Editors Of Men's Health, Men's Health, 4 May 2022 In fact, Harry has already introduced Archie to what adaptive sports are. — Emily Burack, Town & Country, 29 Apr. 2022 Osborne is a former Paralong Drive World Record holder, with a distance of 332 yards, and has placed in the top three in adaptive golf tournaments in Atlanta and Chicago. — al, 28 Apr. 2022 And the active roll bars and Bilstein adaptive dampers rein-in body roll and keep things level. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2022 See More

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.

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adaptitude

adaptive

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Last Updated

13 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Adaptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptive. Accessed 25 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for adaptive

adaptive

adjective

adap·tive | \ ə-ˈdap-tiv

Medical Definition of adaptive

1 : capable of, suited to, or contributing to adaptation … adaptive traits that enhance survival and diversification of species … — Science News

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

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