Adapter Information
An adapter or adaptor[1] is a person that adapts or a device that converts attributes of one device or system to those of an otherwise incompatible device or system.
Some adapters may only affect physical attributes:
- An electrical adapter may enable connection of a socket used in one region to a plug used in another by offering connections for the disparate contact arrangements, while not changing the voltage. For more, see: Domestic AC power plugs and sockets.
- A garden hose adapter can convert between threads and quick-release, "snap"-type connections.
- One kind of serial port adapter enables connections between 25-contact and nine-contact connectors, but does not affect electrical power- and signalling-related attributes.
Other adapters may affect electrical attributes:
- A transformer adapts household electric current from high voltage (100 to 240 volts AC) to low voltage suitable for consumer electronics. These adapters will warm through converting between direct current and alternating current, but are safe to the environment and can withstand months of continuous prolonged activity.
Dangers of Near, but slightly different standards
As Chinese plug pins are slightly thinner than Australian plugs, plug adaptors sold on ebay and elsewhere claiming conversion from UK or other worldwide plugs to a common Australian/Chinese standard can cause serious problems as the Chinese pins fit loosely in Australian sockets causing sparking and other problems. The thicker pins on Australian plugs cannot be inserted easily into Chinese standard sockets, while the thinner pins on Chinese adapters will fit loosely in Australian sockets.
References
- ^ Both spellings are used in both British and American English. According to all major US dictionaries (listed first below) the spelling adapter is more common in American English. Only a few UK dictionaries (listed below) consider adapter more common, most UK dictionaries - including Chambers, Collins and the OED - list adaptor first.
- "Merriam-Webster:adapter". Merriam-Webster, Inc.. 2010. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adapter. Retrieved 2010-02-07. "Main Entry: adapter. Variant(s): also adaptor. 1 : one that adapts. 2 a : a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus b : an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not originally intended"
- "Random House Dictionary:adapter". Random House, Inc.. 2010. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adapter. Retrieved 2010-02-07. "a⋅dapt⋅er –noun 1. a person or thing that adapts. 2. a connector for joining parts or devices having different sizes, designs, etc., enabling them to be fitted or to work together. 3. an accessory to convert a machine, tool, or part to a new or modified use. Also, a⋅dap⋅tor."
- "American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition:adapter". Houghton Mifflin Company. 2009. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adapter. Retrieved 2010-02-07. "a·dapt·er also a·dap·tor n. 1. One that adapts, such as a device used to effect operative compatibility between different parts of one or more pieces of apparatus. 2. Computer Science A hardware device, such as a printed circuit board, that enables a personal computer to use additional peripheral devices or hardware."
- Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989. "adapter, -or. 1. One who adapts. a. One who fits or suits one thing to another. b. One who modifies or alters a composition to suit it to new purposes. 2. A connecting part: in Chem. a tube to connect two pieces of apparatus; in Optics, a metal ring with screw threads to unite two lengths of a telescope; a ‘sliding fitting’ in an optical instrument."
- "Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary". Cambridge University Press. 2010. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/results.asp?dict=B&searchword=adapter. Retrieved 2010-02-07. "adapter noun (DEVICE) (also adaptor) 1) mainly UK: a type of plug which makes it possible to connect two or more pieces of equipment to the same electrical supply 2) a device which is used to connect two pieces of equipment. adapter noun (WRITER) (also adaptor) a person who makes slight changes to a book, play or other piece of text so that it can be performed"
- "Macmillan English Dictionary". Macmillan Publishers Limited. 2010. http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/adapter. Retrieved 2010-04-14. "adapter noun [countable] /əˈdæptə(r)/ or adaptor an object that allows you to connect two pieces of equipment of different types or sizes a. BRITISH an object that allows you to connect several pieces of electrical equipment to one electricity supply b. an object that allows you to use electrical equipment in countries where there is a different type of electricity supply from your own"
- Oxford Dictionary. "adaptor". Compact Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/adaptor?view=uk. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
External links
The Wiktionary entry for adapter
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