adapter vs auxiliary

adapter

noun
  • One who is capable of adapting to differing situations. 

  • One who adapts a thing, e.g. a play. 

  • Specifically, a device that allows one format of plug to be used with a different format of socket. 

  • Specifically, an AC adapter: a device that reduces voltage and converts AC to DC to allow a battery-powered device to use mains power. 

  • A device or application used to achieve operative compatibility between devices that otherwise are incompatible. 

  • Specifically, a device that permits two, three, or more plugs to be used at a single electrical power point. 

auxiliary

noun
  • A person or group that acts in an auxiliary manner. 

  • An auxiliary verb. 

  • A marching band colorguard. 

  • A sailing vessel equipped with an engine. 

adj
  • Supplementary or subsidiary. 

  • Helping; giving assistance or support. 

  • Held in reserve for exceptional circumstances. 

  • Of a ship, having both sails and an engine. 

  • Relating to an auxiliary verb. 

How often have the words adapter and auxiliary occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )