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
On the heels of the official start of the adaptive sports tournament, Meghan, 42, took to Instagram on Feb. 8, sharing a behind-the-scenes moment of her husband, Harry, dancing in celebration at the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
—Erin Hill, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
In the last few years, perhaps after an adaptive mutation, bird flu has jumped to a wide number of mammal species, including seals, bears, skunks, foxes, cougars, bobcats, dolphins and even a polar bear.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Night vision, adaptive air ride suspension, head up display, and an executive control screen between the two rear captains chairs allows passengers to control climate, radio, and more.
—Scotty Reiss, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025
Other adaptive third-party controllers exist but aren't compatible with all systems.
—Grant Stoner, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for adaptive 
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Erin Hill, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
In the last few years, perhaps after an adaptive mutation, bird flu has jumped to a wide number of mammal species, including seals, bears, skunks, foxes, cougars, bobcats, dolphins and even a polar bear.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Night vision, adaptive air ride suspension, head up display, and an executive control screen between the two rear captains chairs allows passengers to control climate, radio, and more.
—Scotty Reiss, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025
Other adaptive third-party controllers exist but aren't compatible with all systems.
—Grant Stoner, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025
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 12 Feb. 2025.
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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