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Glite Dictionary
🔌 Can be charged 🧩 A software add-on 💻 A circuit board
plug-in

plug-in

9 4.2
A small program you add to software to give it new features
  • noun
  • /ˈplʌɡˌɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : complemento
  • In many cases, a host software program's developer includes several plug-ins, with the plug-ins often adequate for most users.
  • plug-in menu
  • plug-in software
  • purchase a particular plug-in

They have the HEQ hybrid, which is a cool plug in.

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Examples

  • Some of these tools are native to the program; others are plug-ins created by outside developers.

  • There are plug-ins connecting AR to modeling software that allow for seamless integration.

    Academic text (2012)

  • One way to think of plug-ins is to consider them software programs operating within another software program.

    Academic text (2013)

  • So we got a grant in order to port this to a plug in for Photoshop, which art conservatives can use.

  • I got sent a plug in by my buddy George called Twimex, which is just a plug in for Chrome.

  • Apple's popular GarageBand for Macintosh computers includes plug-ins that generate and transform sound.

    Academic text (2013)

  • In addition, there are a number of plug-ins developed for the GeoTime 3 GIS to study seismological processes.

    Academic text (2018)

  • GarageBand also includes plug-ins that transform sound, such as equalization, reverb, compression, delay, and ducking.

    Academic text (2013)

  • GarageBand includes plug-ins that transform sound, such as equalization and reverb.

  • The free browser plug-in Web of Trust vets the links you click for safety.

Synonyms

extension
vsplug-in
  • Jargon
78 4.0

A phone or number connected to the main office line

is limited to software modules that add features to a specific application
add-on
vsplug-in
22 3.9

A thing you add to a program or device to give extra features

is specifically a software module for adding features inside an application
add-in
vsplug-in
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A small program added to an app to give extra features like charts or image editing

is a general module for adding features rather than installation focus
plugin
vsplug-in
  • Specialized
4.3

Made to be added to a larger program to give extra features

is the hyphenated spelling of the same term
bolt-on solution
vsplug-in
  • Jargon
4.8

An extra product you add to an existing system to give it new features

is a smaller software module focusing on adding features inside an application

How Modular

extension
  • Jargon
78 4.0
plug-in
  • Specialized
9 4.2
add-on
22 3.9

Surface Forms

plug-in singular
plug-ins plural

Morphology

plug-in = plug in (semi-transparent) = plug + in

The software sense is based on a clear metaphor of something added into a larger system, but it is not a literal physical plugging-in.

Etymology

Plug-in for software is a helpful metaphor from the physical world: think of a small tool you 'plug in' to a program to give it new features, so a software plug-in extends what an application can do.