a. [f. L. adaptāt- ppl. stem of adaptā-re to ADAPT + -IVE.] Characterized by, or given to, adapting things to a purpose, or oneself to circumstances; = ADAPTIVE.
1857. Tomes, Amer. in Japan, xi. 247. The Japanese are … a very imitative, adaptative, and compliant people.
1870. Proctor, Other Worlds, iii. 81. Adaptative power … by which the various creatures we are acquainted with are enabled to live in comfort under all degrees of light.
1875. Stubbs, Const. Hist., II. xv. 297. The great merit of his statesmanship is adaptative rather than originative.
