Dictionary definition(s) for: compatibility

• n., The ability of different devices or systems (e.g., programs, file formats, protocols, even programming languages) to work together or exchange data without modification.
  See Also:

  • interoperability
  • cross-platform
• a., Different systems (e.g., programs, file formats, protocols, even programming languages) that can work together or exchange data are said to be compatible.
  [ Computer and Information Sciences - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (FOLDOC) ]
  FOLDOC: Free Online Dictionary of Computing. http://foldoc.org/.
• a., The ability of one device or program to work with another device or program. The term compatible implies different degrees of partnership. For example, a printer and a computer are said to be compatible if they can be connected to each other. An IBM compatible PC, on the other hand, is a computer that can run the same software as an IBM PC.
  
  [ Computer and Information Sciences - Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary ]
  Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary. Internet.com. http://www.webopedia.com/".