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[uh-juhst] /əˈdʒʌst/
verb (used with object)
to adjust expenses to income.
to adjust an instrument.
to adjust our differences.
Insurance. to determine the amount to be paid in settlement of (a claim).
to systematize.
Military. to correct the elevation or deflection of (a gun).
verb (used without object)
to adapt oneself; become adapted:
They had no problems in adjusting at the new school.
Origin of adjust
1350-1400; Middle English ajusten < Anglo-French ajuster, Old French aj(o)uster to make conform to, verbal derivative, with a- a-5, of juste right, just1, influenced in sense by ajouter, ajoster to add < Late Latin adjuxtāre; see ad-, juxta-
Related forms
misadjust, verb
overadjust, verb
preadjust, verb (used with object)
self-adjusting, adjective
2. set; repair, fix. Adjust, adapt, alter in their literal meanings imply making necessary or desirable changes (as in position, shape, or the like). To adjust is to move into proper position for use: to adjust the eyepiece of a telescope. To adapt is to make a change in character, to make something useful in a new way: to adapt a paper clip for a hairpin. To alter is to change the appearance but not the use: to alter the height of a table. 3. arrange; rectify; reconcile. Unabridged
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British Dictionary definitions for adjust


(transitive) to alter slightly, esp to achieve accuracy; regulate: to adjust the television
to adapt, as to a new environment, etc
(transitive) to put into order
(transitive) (insurance) to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim)
Derived Forms
adjustable, adjective
adjustably, adverb
adjuster, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Old French adjuster, from ad- to + juste right, just
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for adjust

late 14c., ajusten, "to correct, remedy;" reborrowed by c.1600 in sense "arrange, settle, compose," from Middle French adjuster, Old French ajouter "to join" (12c.), from Late Latin adjuxtare "to bring near," from Latin ad- "to" (see ad-) + juxta "next," related to jungere "to join" (see jugular).


Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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adjust in Medicine

adjust ad·just (ə-jŭst')
v. ad·just·ed, ad·just·ing, ad·justs

  1. To bring into proper relationship.

  2. To treat disorders of the spine by correcting slight dislocations between vertebrae using chiropractic techniques.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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