Adaptor has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
Noun
Noun
1
device that enables something to be used in a way different from that for which it was intended or makes different pieces of apparatus compatible
"The adaptor allowed me to use my old American hairdryer safely in the British hotel outlet."
2
Alternative form of adapter
"The manual specifies that an adaptor can be used to connect different types of electrical plugs."
In plain English: An adaptor is a small device that lets you plug different types of plugs into an electrical outlet so they fit together properly.
"I need an adaptor to plug my phone charger into this European outlet."
Example Sentences
"I need an adaptor to plug my phone charger into this European outlet."
noun
"He plugged in his phone with an adaptor to charge it from the wall socket."
noun
"The travel adaptor allowed her laptop to work in countries with different plug shapes."
noun
"Without the correct audio adaptor, the microphone wouldn't connect to his computer."
noun
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Origin
Adaptor comes from the verb adapt with the suffix -or, which was added to form a noun meaning one who adapts something. The word entered English directly through this construction rather than evolving from an older native root.