— replaceable , adj. — replaceability , n. — replacer , n.
/ri plays"/ , v.t., replaced, replacing .
1. to assume the former role, position, or function of; substitute for (a person or thing): Electricity has replaced gas in lighting.
2. to provide a substitute or equivalent in the place of: to replace a broken dish.
3. to restore; return; make good: to replace a sum of money borrowed.
4. to restore to a former or the proper place: to replace the vase on the table.
[ 1585-95; RE- + PLACE ]
Syn. 1. succeed. REPLACE, SUPERSEDE, SUPPLANT refer to putting one thing or person in place of another. To REPLACE is to take the place of, to succeed: Ms. Jones will replace Mr. Smith as president. SUPERSEDE implies that that which is replacing another is an improvement: The typewriter has superseded the pen. SUPPLANT implies that that which takes the other's place has ousted the former holder and usurped the position or function, esp. by art or fraud: to supplant a former favorite. 3. refund, repay.