adaptation

noun

ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce adaptation (audio)
-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 adjective
adaptationally adverb

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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptation was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near adaptation

Cite this Entry

“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

adaptation

noun
ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce adaptation (audio)
-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 How to pronounce adaptation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
adaptationally
adverb

Medical Definition

adaptation

noun
ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp- How to pronounce adaptation (audio)
1
: the act or process of adapting : the state of being adapted
his ingenious adaptation of the electric cautery knife to … surgeryGeorge 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 adjective
adaptationally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on adaptation

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