adapter
adapter — noun
- adaptersingular
- adaptersplural
1. a small plastic or rubber device that you put into a wall socket so that you can
a small plastic or rubber device that you put into a wall socket so that you can connect more than one electrical appliance at the same time, or so that a plug from one country fits a socket in another
Wei Chen plugged an adapter into the kitchen socket to run the toaster and kettle.
collocation: travel adapter / plug adapter
The hotel had a single outlet, so the receptionist lent the guest a travel adapter.
Before her trip to London, Amara bought a UK-to-EU adapter for her phone charger.
The old apartment had just two wall sockets, so Lin plugged an adapter into each.
I carry a universal adapter when traveling to charge my devices in any country.
- plug adaptor
more specific term for the electrical-socket sense; 'adaptor' is the common British spelling
用法筆記
Also spelled adaptor (especially in British English). Do not confuse with a voltage converter — an adapter changes only the physical shape of the plug, not the electrical voltage.
常見錯誤
2. a small piece of equipment that allows you to connect two electronic or mechanic
a small piece of equipment that allows you to connect two electronic or mechanical devices whose connectors have different sizes, shapes, or designs
Dr. Patel used a small adapter to connect his old headphones to the new smartphone.
pattern: adapter to connect [device A] to [device B]
You need a USB-to-HDMI adapter to show your laptop screen on the projector.
The plumber used an adapter to make the new faucet fit the copper pipe.
Kenji bought a charging adapter that works with any electric car charging station.
The old camera flash could not attach to the new tripod without the right adapter.
- connector
broader term; a connector can be a permanent part of the device, while an adapter is usually an add-on piece
- converter
often confused with adapter; a converter changes electrical voltage, whereas an adapter only changes physical fit
- dongle
informal term for a small wireless or USB adapter, especially for internet or Bluetooth
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person or an instruction manual. Object is typically a physical connector difference (size, shape, standard). Unlike a converter, an adapter does not change voltage or signal type — it only changes the physical connection.
常見錯誤
3. someone who modifies an existing literary, dramatic, or musical work so that it
someone who modifies an existing literary, dramatic, or musical work so that it suits a new medium or performance style — for instance, turning a novel into a movie script or arranging a symphony for a small quartet
Sofia worked as the adapter who turned the best-selling novel into a stage play.
pattern: adapter who turned [source] into [new form]
The film adapter changed the book's ending to make the story work better on screen.
As a music adapter, Nadia rewrote the orchestra piece for a small jazz band.
The television adapter took the comic series and created a drama from its main characters.
An experienced adapter knows which parts of a long novel fit a two-hour film.
- arranger
used specifically in music; an arranger reworks a piece for different instruments or voices
- screenwriter
a more common term for someone who writes or adapts a film script
用法筆記
Much less common than the device senses of adapter. In creative contexts, 'adaptor' is sometimes preferred, but 'adapter' is standard in both spellings. The role is also called a screenwriter or playwright, depending on the medium.