adaptive
adjective
adap·tive
ə-ˈdap-tiv 
a-
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.
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
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.
2
a
: 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
Examples of adaptive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This adaptive cloud approach transforms distributed infrastructure into a cohesive system, enabling organizations to innovate while remaining agile and responsive.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
In East Nashville where the indie spirit thrives, Bad Idea is a shining example of architectural adaptive reuse matched with culinary inventiveness.
—Jessica Ritz, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
This driveline comes with hill launch assist, low traction launch, electronic air suspension, adaptive driving dynamics, electric power assisted all wheel steering, and a set of 21″ alloy wheels with tire repair.
—Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
Interestingly enough, because of the adaptive way TRPV1 receptors work in birds, capsaicin may register as a pleasant vanilla flavor that incentivizes seed dispersion, according to the European Journal of Pharmacology.
—Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adaptive 
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Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
In East Nashville where the indie spirit thrives, Bad Idea is a shining example of architectural adaptive reuse matched with culinary inventiveness.
—Jessica Ritz, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
This driveline comes with hill launch assist, low traction launch, electronic air suspension, adaptive driving dynamics, electric power assisted all wheel steering, and a set of 21″ alloy wheels with tire repair.
—Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
Interestingly enough, because of the adaptive way TRPV1 receptors work in birds, capsaicin may register as a pleasant vanilla flavor that incentivizes seed dispersion, according to the European Journal of Pharmacology.
—Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adaptive
Dictionary Entries Near adaptive
Cite this Entry
“Adaptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptive. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
adaptive
adjective
adap·tive
ə-ˈdap-tiv
1
: capable of, suited to, or contributing to adaptation
… adaptive traits that enhance survival and diversification of species …—Science News
Science News2
a
: 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
Stuart Gordon, The Modesto (California) Bee
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)
James Nix, The Independent Tribune (Concord, North Carolina)
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
Moira McCarthy, The Boston Herald
adaptively
adverb
adaptiveness
noun
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