Definition of ADAPTATIONS (original) (raw)
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
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 All the while, film and television creators are ignoring the better option for adaptations that’s right in front of them: animation. —
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2024 Directed by Lyndsey Turner, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s political tragedy follows Roman warrior Coriolanus, whose flash-in-the-pan fame results in him standing for high office. —Kemi Alemoru, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2024 This ancient adaptation is thought to be the precursor for animals making the transition from water to land, something that occurred approximately 370 million years ago. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 In this adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir about his mother’s heroism after the disappearance of his father, Fernanda Torres portrays the matriarch with extraordinary grace, while her own mom, Fernanda Montenegro, poignantly plays her in old age. —Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adaptation 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from French & Medieval Latin; French, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin adaptātiōn-, adaptātiō, from Latin adaptāre "to adapt" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action
First Known Use
1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptation was in 1597
Dictionary Entries Near adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 18 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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