plug-in
[
pluhg
-in]
/ˈplʌgˌɪn/
adjective
1.
capable of or designed for being connected to an electrical power source by
plugging
in or inserting:
a plug-in hair dryer; a plug-in transistor.
noun
2.
plug
(def 3).
3.
jack
1
(def 3).
4.
a plug-in appliance.
Origin
1920-25;
adj., noun use of verb phrase
plug in
Word Origin and History for
plug-ins
plug-in
adj.
1922, from
plug
(v.) +
in
(adv.).
plug-ins
in Science
plug-in
(plŭg'ĭn')
An accessory software or hardware package that is used in conjunction with an existing application or device to extend its capabilities or provide additional functions.