modified

Modified is an adjective describing something that has been changed from its original state or form. Changes can be intentional or due to adaptation, and they can affect function, appearance, structure, or method. In neutral usage, modified simply means “not original” or “altered,” with the specifics of the alteration defined by context.

Etymology: The word modified comes from the Latin root modificare, formed from mod- meaning form or measure, and facere meaning to make. Over time it has come to denote changes made to improve, customize, or alter a thing in some way.

Applications and usage: In everyday language, people refer to modified versions of products or software, such as a modified car, a modified kitchen, or a modified application that has been customized by a user. In biology and agriculture, modified often appears in phrases like genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or modified crops, indicating changes to genetic material or traits introduced through breeding or biotechnology. In computing and gaming, a “mod” is a user-created modification that alters gameplay, graphics, or features. In engineering and measurement, a modified protocol or method has been adapted from a standard procedure to fit a particular requirement or constraint. The term generally signals that a baseline has been changed and that the specifics of the modification are important for interpretation or compliance.

See also: modification, modify, modular design, customization.