definition of
adoption

[1] #1 adoption n. [acceptance, acceptation, espousal] the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; "its adoption by society"; "the proposal found wide acceptance". wn

[2] #2 adoption n. a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents (including the right to inherit). wn

[3] #3 adoption n. [borrowing] the appropriation (of ideas or words etc) from another source; "the borrowing of ancient motifs was very apparent". wn