Dean C. Paige wrote:
>
> FYI my Websters indicates that either "er" or "or" are acceptable
> spellings. I've always used "or" when refering to equipment, and "er to
> designate "one who adapts". English evolves!
Didn't mean to turn this into something else; however, the first usage
shown is the most common one. The second (shown in Webster's as _also_)
is the lesser-used, but still correct, form. Note that the definitions
of the word appear under "adapter." Had "adaptor" been the more
commonplace usage, you would find the definitions under it, with the
notation "_also_ adapter."
If you go to "adapter" in Webster's, it shows "one who adapts" as the
principal use (which, in our technological times, is probably already
archaic), and the equipment usage as second, and a fitting which adapts
as third. At least recently, I don't ever remember seeing "adapter" or
"adaptor" as a part of someone's job description. <smile>
My point here is that there is a dominant form of the word which comes
about through colloquial usage and becomes commonplace, especially in
particular industries. In pipefitting and steam boiler terminology,
"gage" is predominant. In the automotive and machine tool industries, as
well as in laboratory work, the preferred term is "gauge."
I didn't object to someone spelling it as "adaptor," but I did make note
of someone correcting me without knowing the etymology of the term.
And with that, I have to finish a parts manual for Dallas Area Rapid
Transit... and it's chock full of adapters. <smile>
Cheers.
--
My other Triumph runs, but....
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