retrofit
Americanverb (used with object)
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to modify equipment (in airplanes, automobiles, a factory, etc.) that is already in service using parts developed or made available after the time of original manufacture.
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to install, fit, or adapt (a device or system) for use with something older.
to retrofit solar heating to a poorly insulated house.
verb (used without object)
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(of new or modified parts, equipment, etc.) to fit into or onto existing equipment.
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to replace existing parts, equipment, etc., with updated parts or systems.
noun
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something that has been retrofitted.
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an instance of updating, enlarging, etc., with new or modified equipment.
A retrofit could save thousands of dollars.
adjective
verb
Other Word Forms
- retrofittable adjective
Etymology
Origin of retrofit
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Because of a global shortage of large gas turbines, Mr. Musk’s xAI and some companies are jury-rigging gas plants by installing clusters of small turbines and even retrofitting old jet engines.
Kids won’t have the same challenges we have of trying to retrofit old assumptions and will start with a clean slate.
Another problem is the illegal retrofitting of LED bulbs, especially when fitted into units designed for halogen.
From BBC
However, he posited that the uptick in spending could be indicative of Amazon’s “inherent advantage in being able to retrofit existing AWS infrastructure,” meaning that the company could bring capacity online faster than its peers.
From MarketWatch
More recently built structures need fewer upgrades and may not require seismic retrofits to meet safety codes.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
