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Glite Dictionary
🧩 Software add-on 🔌 A device add-on 🧩 Add-on feature
plugin

plugin

4.3
Made to be added to a larger program to give extra features
  • adjective
  • /ˈplʌɡɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : extensible
  • The new plugin module allows users to add extra features to the main application.

Examples

  • Many modern programs support plugin components for greater flexibility and customization.

  • We prefer a plugin approach so that updates can be made without changing the core system.

  • The new plugin allows developers to easily enhance the software's functionality.

  • By using a plugin, users can personalize their experience within the application.

  • This program offers a variety of plugin options to expand its capabilities.

Synonyms

pluggable
vsplugin
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A separate part you can add to a device or program to give new features

is made specifically to be installed to add new features to programs

How Modular

extension
  • Jargon
78 4.0
add-on
22 3.9
plugin
  • Specialized
4.3
module
101 3.7

Surface Forms

plugin positive

Morphology

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

The meaning is mostly compositional from 'plug in', but the software sense is a specialized extension of the literal action.

Etymology

Plugin comes from the simple idea of plug + in, like putting a plug 'into' a socket to add power. So a plugin feature is something made to be put into a larger program to add more functions.