retrofit

Definition

To supply (a device, structure, etc.) with new components or parts that were not previously available or installed; to modernize.

Etymology

The verb is derived from retro- (prefix meaning ‘back; backward’) + fit (“to equip, supply”). The noun, which is first attested later than the verb, is either derived: * from the verb (see above); or * from retro- + fit (“act of fitting; conformity of elements one to another”).

Example Sentences

• "Trams dating from 2012 have been retro-fitted with lithium batteries, with the conversions starting in 2018."
• "The project involves retrofitting Google’s Pixel smartphones to certain subway cars to collect sounds and other data and feed it into Google’s Cloud. […] When asked why the devices were retrofitted on older models instead of newer ones, Sarno said the MTA typically uses older car models when making modifications in case there are any unwanted effects."
• "The bug was so bad that we had to retrofit our patch to the last three releases, as well as the newest release."