adapter

Everyday

1. A small device that lets you connect a plug or cable to a socket or machine it does not normally fit. tree →
2. A person who adapts something, such as a story for film. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday and travel: a travel adapter for plugs in another country, a USB adapter for a laptop. Safety: do not overload an adapter with too many plugs. Phrases: plug adapter, travel adapter, power adapter.

Examples

• We need a travel adapter for the plugs in Spain. tree →
• The laptop came with a power adapter. tree →
• Do not plug too many things into one adapter. tree →
• He used an adapter to connect his headphones to the phone. tree →
• The UK plug would not fit, so Dad found an adapter. tree →
• The film's adapter changed the ending of the book. tree →

Note

Both spellings are correct: adapter and adaptor (adaptor is common in UK and Australia for the device). Verb: adapt. Do not confuse "adapt" (change to fit) with "adopt" (take as your own).