compatible: able to exist or occur together without conflict; able to have a harmonious relationship: well-suited
I hate the way this word is used within the computer industry. Not only is there a misunderstanding of what it means to be "compatible", but there is also an oversimplification when it comes to 3rd party "accessories", and this holds to both Windows and Macs. In other words, sometimes
compatible means "it just works" and sometimes it means "maybe, maybe not. Depends. Could happen, but could also drive you to insanity!"