adapter vs coupling

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. 

coupling

noun
  • A device that couples two things together. 

  • The property of physical systems that they are interacting with each other 

  • Sexual intercourse. 

  • Act of joining together to form a couple. 

  • The degree of reliance between two or more software modules. 

  • A connection between two electronic circuits such that a signal can pass between them. 

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