A*dapt"er (&?;), n. 1. One who adapts.

2. (Chem.) A connecting tube; an adopter.

• One that adapts, such as a device used to effect operative compatibility between different parts of one or more pieces of apparatus.
  
• Computer Science. A hardware device, such as a printed circuit board, that enables a personal computer to use additional peripheral devices or hardware.
  
• (British etc) A device that permits two or three plugs to be used on one electrical power point; a device that allows one format of plug to be used with a different format of socket.