adaptor
Connector for incompatible devices
A small thing you use when two plugs, sockets, or pieces of equipment do not fit together.
an adaptor for [a plug/device/cable]; a [USB/travel/power] adaptor
- I bought an adaptor so my phone charger would fit the hotel socket.
- The projector has only HDMI, so you'll need an adaptor for your laptop.
- This headset comes with a small adaptor for older audio ports.
- I need an adaptor for my charger.
- This adaptor lets the cable fit my laptop.
Computer interface component
A computer part or piece of software that helps one system work with another.
a [network/wireless/graphics] adaptor; an adaptor for [a system/device]
- The new network adaptor fixed the connection problem.
- The app uses an adaptor to pull data from several older systems.
- Make sure the Bluetooth adaptor is enabled in the device settings.
- My computer needs a Wi-Fi adaptor.
- The adaptor helps the program connect to the database.
Person who adapts works
Someone who changes a story or play into a new form, such as a film or stage play.
the adaptor of [a novel/play]; a [stage/film/radio] adaptor
- The adaptor kept the main plot but cut several minor characters from the novel.
- As the stage adaptor, she had to turn long descriptions into dialogue.
- The film credits name both the original novelist and the adaptor.
- The adaptor changed the book into a play.
- She worked as the adaptor of the radio drama.
- Base: adaptor
- Plural: adaptors
ac adaptor
1Wall-power converter for devices
A power device that lets an electronic item use electricity from a wall socket.
- The keyboard can run on batteries or an AC adaptor.
- The AC adaptor converts wall power for the device.
- Check the label on the AC adaptor before using it abroad.
network adaptor
1Computer network connection component
The part of a computer or device that lets it connect to a network.
- The desktop needs a network adaptor to connect to Wi-Fi.
- Update the driver for your network adaptor if the connection keeps dropping.
- The operating system could not detect the network adaptor.
plug adaptor
1Adaptor for electrical plugs
A device that makes a plug fit a different socket.
- The lamp has a European plug, so you'll need a plug adaptor.
- This plug adaptor lets the charger fit the wall socket.
- We keep a spare plug adaptor in the kitchen drawer.
power adaptor
1External electrical power supply
A device that gives the right power to another electronic device.
- The laptop won't charge because the power adaptor is missing.
- Use the power adaptor that came with the router.
- The wrong power adaptor can damage the device.
travel adaptor
1Adaptor for foreign sockets
A small device for using your plug in another country.
- Don't forget to pack a travel adaptor for the UK.
- A travel adaptor won't necessarily protect your hair dryer from the wrong voltage.
- The hotel sold travel adaptors at the front desk.
universal adaptor
1Adaptor fitting many standards
An adaptor that works with many different plugs or devices.
- A universal adaptor is useful if you travel to several countries.
- The kit includes a universal adaptor with interchangeable plugs.
- Even a universal adaptor may not convert voltage.
usb adaptor
1Adaptor for USB connections
A small device that helps a USB cable or port connect to something different.
- I used a USB adaptor to connect the camera to my tablet.
- This USB adaptor lets the old mouse work with a newer laptop.
- The box includes a cable and a USB adaptor.
wi-fi adaptor
1Adaptor for wireless internet
A small device that lets a computer use Wi-Fi.
- The old computer doesn't have wireless built in, so I bought a Wi-Fi adaptor.
- Plug the Wi-Fi adaptor into a USB port and install the driver.
- A stronger Wi-Fi adaptor improved the signal in the upstairs room.