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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This adaptive cloud approach transforms distributed infrastructure into a cohesive system, enabling organizations to innovate while remaining agile and responsive. Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 In East Nashville where the indie spirit thrives, Bad Idea is a shining example of architectural adaptive reuse matched with culinary inventiveness. Jessica Ritz, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024 This driveline comes with hill launch assist, low traction launch, electronic air suspension, adaptive driving dynamics, electric power assisted all wheel steering, and a set of 21″ alloy wheels with tire repair. Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024 Interestingly enough, because of the adaptive way TRPV1 receptors work in birds, capsaicin may register as a pleasant vanilla flavor that incentivizes seed dispersion, according to the European Journal of Pharmacology. Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adaptive 

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 2 Dec. 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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