backward compatibility
nounUK /ˈbækwɜːd kəmˌpætəˈbɪlɪti/ · US /ˈbækwɜɹd kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti/
Etymology From backward (adjective) + compatibility (noun).
1
Computer hardware, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences, Software Usually The capability of an electronic device, a piece of software, etc., to interoperate with older systems; (countable) an instance of this.
- Related terms
- backward compatible, forward compatibility, forwards compatibility, forward compatible, forwards compatible, upward compatible, upward compatibility