compatible

[ kuh m-pat-uh-buh l ]
/ kəmˈpæt ə bəl /

adjective

noun

something, as a machine or piece of electronic equipment, that is designed to perform the same tasks as another, often in the same way and using virtually identical parts, programmed instructions, etc.: Software written for one computer will probably run on its close compatibles.

Origin of compatible

1425–75; late Middle English < Medieval Latin compatibilis, derivative of Late Latin compatī (Latin com- com- + patī to suffer, undergo). See -ible

OTHER WORDS FROM compatible

Words nearby compatible

compassion fatigue, compassionate, compassionate conservative, compaternity, compathy, compatible, compatriot, compazine, compañera, compañero, compañia

Words related to compatibilities

unity, rapport, empathy, fit, sympathy, congeniality, amity, agreement, congruity, consonance, agreeableness, affinity

Example sentences from the Web for compatibilities

  • This question of compatibilities is illustrated very strikingly by the case of the worker-bee.

    Woman and Womanhood |C. W. Saleeby

British Dictionary definitions for compatibilities

compatible
/ (kəmˈpætəbəl) /

adjective

(usually foll by with) able to exist together harmoniously
(usually foll by with) consistent or congruous her deeds were not compatible with her ideology
(of plants)
  1. capable of forming successful grafts
  2. capable of successful self-fertilizationSee self-compatible, self-incompatible
(of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation a PC-compatible disc

Derived forms of compatible

compatibility or compatibleness, noun compatibly, adverb

Word Origin for compatible

C15: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compatī to be in sympathy with; see compassion

Medical definitions for compatibilities

compatible
[ kəm-păt′ə-bəl ]

adj.

Capable of existing or performing in harmonious or agreeable combination.
Capable of being grafted, transfused, or transplanted from one individual to another without reaction or rejection.
Capable of forming a chemically or biochemically stable system.