The DICT Development Group

  plug-in
      n 1: a printed circuit that can be inserted into expansion slots
           in a computer to increase the computer's capabilities [syn:
           circuit board, circuit card, board, card, plug-
           in, add-in]

  plug-in
  
      A file containing data used to alter, enhance, or
     extend the operation of a parent application program.  One
     of the first uses of this term was in Silicon Beach's
     SuperPaint application (late 1980s?) for the Macintosh.
     It had a Plug-ins folder containing different tools and
     effects.
  
     The Netscape Navigator web browser supports
     plug-ins which display or interpret a particular file format
     or protocol such as Shockwave, RealAudio, Adobe
     Systems, Inc. PDF, Corel CMX ({vector graphics}).  The
     file to be displayed is included in a web page using an
     EMBED HTML tag.
  
     Plug-ins, both commercially and indepently authored, can
     usually be downloaded for free and are stored locally.
     Plug-ins come in different versions specific to particular
     operating+systems+({Microsoft+Windows+3.1">operating systems ({Microsoft Windows 3.1, 3.2, and
     Macintosh are available).
  
     Compare applet.
  
     http://browserwatch.com/plug-in.html)">Plug-in Plaza (http://browserwatch.com/plug-in.html).
  
     PC Mag Plug-ins
     http://zdnet.com/pcmag/IU/plugins/plugins.htm)">(http://zdnet.com/pcmag/IU/plugins/plugins.htm).
  
     (1996-05-25)