What does "backward compatible" mean?

Capable of interoperating with older systems.

What is a synonym for "backward compatible"?

Common synonyms include: definitional extension, mutual compatibility.

Pronounced //ˌbækwɚdkəmˈpætəb(ə)l//.

/ˌbækwɚdkəmˈpætəb(ə)l/ adj

adj ·Rare ·Advanced level

Adjective

1
Capable of interoperating with older systems.
"The new editor is backward compatible with all versions later than 1.17."

"The new editor is backward compatible with all versions later than 1.17."

Back-formation from backward compatibility.