I. ˈa-ˌdept, ə-ˈdept, a-ˈ noun
Etymology: New Latin adeptus alchemist who has attained the knowledge of how to change base metals into gold, from Latin, past participle of adipisci to attain, from ad- + apisci to reach — more at apt
Date: 1709
: a highly skilled or well-trained individual : expert
an adept at chess
II. ə-ˈdept also ˈa-ˌdept adjective
Date: circa 1691
: thoroughly proficient : expert
adept at fixing cars
Synonyms: see proficient
• adept·ly ə-ˈdep-(t)lē, a- adverb
• adept·ness -ˈdep(t)-nəs noun