adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 
-dəp-
1
: something that is adapted
a new adaptation of an old recipe
specifically
: a composition rewritten into a new form
a screen adaptation of a novel
2
: the act or process of adapting
a process undergoing adaptation
: the state of being adapted
adaptation to changing circumstances
3
: adjustment to environmental conditions: such as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment : a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
adaptationally
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of adaptation in a Sentence
His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.
The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.
The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.
a tool designed for easy adaptation
Recent Examples on the Web
The Italian actress had been narrating HBO’s adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novels, about the lives of two book-loving, quietly competitive friends from a poor Naples neighborhood, since its first episode in 2018.
—
Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Nathan Cooper, an associate professor and convenor of international engagement at the University of Waikato, said the government was prioritizing adaptation over mitigation, a strategy that has been criticized as relying too heavily on technology that may never materialize.
—Mahalia Dobson, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024
The film, which co-starred Jackie Joseph, Mel Welles and Jack Nicholson, grew a cult following over the years and spawned several adaptations.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
A number of adaptations have been attempted over the years, including, reportedly, by Roman Polansky, Federico Fellini and Terry Gilliam.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adaptation 
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Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Nathan Cooper, an associate professor and convenor of international engagement at the University of Waikato, said the government was prioritizing adaptation over mitigation, a strategy that has been criticized as relying too heavily on technology that may never materialize.
—Mahalia Dobson, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024
The film, which co-starred Jackie Joseph, Mel Welles and Jack Nicholson, grew a cult following over the years and spawned several adaptations.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
A number of adaptations have been attempted over the years, including, reportedly, by Roman Polansky, Federico Fellini and Terry Gilliam.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adaptation
Dictionary Entries Near adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən
-əp-
1
a
: the act or process of adapting
b
: the state of being adapted
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation
b
: change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment
also
: a structure resulting from this change
3
: something that is adapted
especially
: a composition rewritten into a new form
adaptationally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-
1
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compare adjustment sense 1b
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