retrofit

Meanings

1. To supply (a device, structure, etc.) with new components or parts that were not previously available or installed; to modernize.
2. To add or substitute (new components or parts) that were not previously available for or installed in a device, structure, etc.
3. Synonym of backport (“to retroactively supply a fix or feature to a previous version of a software product at the same time or after supplying it to the current version.”).
4. To give new characteristics or make alterations (to someone or something) to suit them to changed circumstances.
5. To supply a device, structure, etc., with new components or parts that were not previously available or installed.

1. An act of supplying a device, structure, etc., with new components or parts that were not previously available or installed; a retrofitting.
2. A change made to a device, structure, etc., by introducing components or parts that were not previously available or installed.

Etymology

The verb is derived from retro- (prefix meaning ‘back; backward’) + fit (“to equip, supply”). The noun, which is first attested later than the verb, is either derived: * from the verb (see above); or * from retro- + fit (“act of fitting; conformity of elements one to another”).

Translations