adaptive
adjective
adap·tive
| \ ə-ˈdap-tiv
, a-\
, a-\
Definition of adaptive
1
: providing, contributing to, or marked by adaptation : arising as a result of adaptation
… left ventricular hypertrophy should not be considered solely an adaptive response to an increased ventricular workload.— Edward D. Frohlich et al. An effort to identify the healthy adaptive need that is being met by a patient's behavior can result in increased empathy for the patient.— Thomas O. Brackett
specifically
: of, relating to, or being a heritable trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
Webbed feet is an adaptive trait in aquatic animals.
2a
: designed or intended to assist disabled persons : assistive
adaptive devices
b
: engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
adaptive skiing
c
: participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for disability
an adaptive skier
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Other Words from adaptive
adaptively
adverb
adaptiveness
noun
adaptivity
\ ˌa-ˌdap-ˈti-və-tē
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noun
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noun
Examples of adaptive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An informed community will discern viable pathways forward, perhaps using a blend of engineering and adaptive solutions, for there is no alternative. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, "Letters: Rounding up geese from parks — cruel or beneficial? (7/7/19)," 7 July 2019 Jimmie is easygoing, adaptive, and filled with ambition to prove his worth. — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, "“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” and the Fear of Being Erased," 7 June 2019 Higher education needs to become more adaptive and innovative. — Scott F. Latham, The Conversation, "What Amazon’s decision to retrain a third of its employees means for the future of work," 19 July 2019 Inclusive, or adaptive, playgrounds are meticulously designed to accommodate children of all abilities. — Aili Nahas, PEOPLE.com, "Former Bachelor Andrew Firestone's Daughter Raises Money for an Adaptive Playground: 'So Proud'," 14 June 2019 Likewise, responding to threats is a highly adaptive behavior useful to humans, but an overfunctioning threat-detection system can manifest as paranoia. — David P. Barash, WSJ, "‘Good Reasons for Bad Feelings’ Review: Suffering’s Silver Lining," 13 Feb. 2019 Observing this seemingly adaptive behavior, investigators started to probe the genetics and neurochemistry that distinguish the more resistant animals. — Gary Stix, Scientific American, "Can a Pill that Boosts ‘Resilience’ Treat Depression?," 11 Apr. 2018 Attendees will have the opportunity to play adaptive sports, learn new dance moves and attend informative workshops. — Houston Chronicle, "Family Fun: Abilities Expo, Harry Potter Birthday Bash," 1 Aug. 2019 Day said the technology of equipment and uniforms has greatly expanded the potential of athletes in adaptive sports. — chicagotribune.com, "Great Lakes Games showcase adaptive sports athletes," 18 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adaptive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for adaptive
adaptive
adjective
adap·tive
| \ ə-ˈdap-tiv
\
\
Medical Definition of adaptive
1
: capable of, suited to, or contributing to adaptation
… adaptive traits that enhance survival and diversification of species … — Science News, 1 Feb. 1986
2a
: used to assist a person with a disability in performing a certain task or activity : assistive
Adaptive equipment might include Braille keyboards, voice synthesizers and adjustable-height computer tables.— Stuart Gordon, The Modesto (California) Bee, 15 Dec. 1995
b
: engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
It is called wheelchair basketball, an adaptive sport for disabled people … — James Nix, The Independent Tribune (Concord, North Carolina), 17 Feb. 2010
c
: participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
Ever seen those inspirational adaptive skiers cranking down the mountain in their ski chairs, or with a blind skier guide?— Moira McCarthy, The Boston Herald, 10 Jan. 2007