Retrofit: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word combines 'retro', meaning old-fashioned or vintage, and 'fit', meaning to install or place something in.
• It started being used around the 1960s, especially in contexts of making buildings and vehicles more modern.
• The term highlights a growing trend of improving existing structures rather than building new ones.

Technology

• Retrofitting is a common practice in the automotive industry to enhance vehicle safety and efficiency.
• In architecture, buildings are often retrofitted to comply with new energy standards and technologies.
• The installation of solar panels on existing roofs is another popular example of retrofitting.

Environmental Science

• Eco-friendly retrofitting can reduce a building's carbon footprint, making older structures more energy efficient.
• By retrofitting old buildings with better insulation, energy consumption for heating and cooling can be significantly lowered.
• Government incentives often exist to encourage retrofitting for energy efficiency in both private homes and businesses.

Pop Culture

• Within the film industry, retrofitting might refer to updating special effects in older movies for a modern audience.
• Video game remakes often involve retrofitting graphics and gameplay mechanics to improve player experience.
• In fashion, retrofitting can relate to redesigning vintage clothing to better suit today's styles while preserving their original charm.

History

• In the 20th century, retrofitting infrastructure became crucial as cities expanded and technology advanced rapidly.
• Historical buildings and landmarks are often retrofitted to meet safety standards while preserving their historical characteristics.
• The practice has roots in engineering, where adaptations were necessary to address evolving safety and performance standards.

Positioned at #22,186, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22183 detest
• 22184 dole
• 22185 morpheme
• 22186 retrofit
• 22187 alga
• 22188 despaired
• 22189 fearsome
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