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

plugin

7 3.8
A small device you put into an electronic system to add new functions
  • noun
  • /ˈplʌɡɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : módulo enchufable
  • The new encryption application/plugin allows files to be encrypted with a user's password.

Then I got a bunch of the little plugins, so I got two of the actual wallflower like diffusers you actually plug in the wall.

Examples

  • Several people have mentioned this plugin already, but I highly recommend the "WordPress File Monitor" plugin.

    Blog text (27)

  • However, to accomplish this, you or someone would need to develop a plugin for the editor.

    Blog text (6)

  • You must have JavaScript enabled and the Flash 8 plugin installed to view this content.

    Blog text (11)

  • You could just use the Theme Test Drive plugin for that, couldn't you?

    Blog text (7)

  • WordPress uses the database to store posts, pages, comments, settings, and plugin information.

    Blog text (22)

  • Tons of WordPress users also use Akismet, so it's fair to assume that this plugin is probably active.

    Blog text (27)

  • To enhance your website's functionality, you can easily install a plugin that adds new features.

  • The video editing software supports a variety of plugins that can modify and enhance the editing process.

  • After downloading the new plugin, the application started working much faster and with additional features.

Synonyms

module
vsplugin
101 3.7

A separate unit that is part of a larger system and can work alone

is specifically an inserted component that adds or modifies electronic system functions
extension
vsplugin
  • Jargon
78 4.0

A phone or number connected to the main office line

is specifically an inserted device or module that changes electronic system functions
add-on
vsplugin
22 3.9

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

is specifically inserted into electronic systems rather than simply added externally
plug-in
vsplugin
  • Specialized
9 4.2

A small program you add to software to give it new features

is not limited to software and also refers to physical modules inserted
add-in
vsplugin
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A circuit board you put into a computer to add features like sound or graphics

is not limited to expansion slots and can be other inserted devices

How Complex

controller
  • Specialized
74 3.8
module
101 3.7
plugin
  • Specialized
7 3.8
adapter
29 3.5
expansion slot
  • Specialized
1 5.2

Surface Forms

plugin singular
plugins plural

Morphology

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

The idea of something that 'plugs in' is understandable from the parts, but the specific technical sense of a module that extends system functions is somewhat specialized. [Postprocessing: moved 'in' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Plugin comes from the words plug and in, like a small item you push 'into' a socket to give the device new power or ability. So a hardware plugin is something you insert into an electronic system to add or change its functions.