adapter vs connector

adapter

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

  • 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. 

  • One who is capable of adapting to differing situations. 

connector

noun
  • A device (or, more precisely, a mating pair of devices, often a plug and a socket) for connecting together two wires, cables, or hoses, allowing electricity or fluid to flow but also allowing easy disconnection and reconnection when necessary. 

  • One who connects. 

  • A line connecting two shapes in presentation software. 

  • A highway or freeway road which connects to another highway or freeway. It can be part of an interchange or a longer roadway such as the 1.5 mile (2.5 kilometer) U.S. Route 24 Connector. 

  • A software component that provides access from an application program to an external database or data source, such as a JDBC connector. 

  • Any of a group of cards of consecutive face value, useful in forming straights etc. 

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