adaptation

noun

ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 

-dəp-

1

: something that is adapted

a new adaptation of an old recipe

specifically : a composition rewritten into a new form

a screen adaptation of a novel

2

: the act or process of adapting

a process undergoing adaptation

: the state of being adapted

adaptation to changing circumstances

3

: adjustment to environmental conditions: such as

a

: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation

b

: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment : a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival

adaptational

ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-dəp-

adjective

adaptationally adverb

Synonyms

• acclimation
• acclimatization
• accommodation
• adaption
• adjustment
• conformation

Examples of adaptation in a Sentence

His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.

The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.

The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.

a tool designed for easy adaptation

Recent Examples on the Web

Disney has consistently pumped out several big-screen installments in the MCU each year, but its output of comic book adaptations will dramatically slow in 2024. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Nov. 2023

Even now, the Divergent series is often referred to as the beginning of the end of YA adaptations. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2023

Somehow, despite the 1966 special already being a perennial holiday favorite, its 2000 live-action film adaptation became just as beloved and famous in its own right. —Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023

After placing obstacles in the ants’ forest paths, Muratore filmed and later analyzed the herds’ subsequent adaptations to continue along their routes. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2023

Maybe the biggest loss in this adaptation is the tension between the players and the competition itself. —James Poniewozik, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2023

Natalie Portman directed and starred in a 2015 film adaptation. —Boris Kachka, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2023

Some parts of the nervous system are constrained by genetic adaptations while others are more plastic and responsive to environmental conditions. —Sean O'Donnell, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2023

Grande plays Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s upcoming live-action film adaptation of the Broadway show Wicked, which will be split into two parts. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Medieval Latin; French, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin adaptātiōn-, adaptātiō, from Latin adaptāre "to adapt" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing adaptation

• counter-adaptation
• light adaptation
• dark adaptation

• counter-adaptation
• light adaptation
• dark adaptation

Kids Definition

adaptation

noun

ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən 

-əp-

1

a

: the act or process of adapting

b

: the state of being adapted

2

: adjustment to environmental conditions: as

a

: adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation

b

: change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment

also : a structure resulting from this change

3

: something that is adapted

especially : a composition rewritten into a new form

adaptational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

adaptationally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

adaptation

noun

ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp- 

1

: the act or process of adapting : the state of being adapted

his ingenious adaptation of the electric cautery knife to … surgery

—George Blumer

2

: adjustment to environmental conditions: as

a

: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation

b

: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compare adjustment sense 1b

adaptational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

adaptationally

-ē 

adverb