operable

[ op-er-uh-buhl, op-ruh- ]

adjective

1. that can be treated by a surgical operation. Compare inoperable ( def 2 ).
2. capable of being put into use, operation, or practice.

operable

/ ˈɒprə-; ˈɒpərəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being treated by a surgical operation
2. capable of being operated
3. capable of being put into practice

Derived Forms

• ˈoperably, adverb
• ˌoperaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• oper·a·bili·ty noun
• oper·a·bly adverb
• non·oper·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of operable¹

1640–50; < Late Latin operābilis, equivalent to operā ( rī ) to work + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

“Every member of the high court seemed to recognize under Congress’ broad and flexible definition that a gun building kit which can quickly and easily be turned into an operable weapon is a firearm.”

From Los Angeles Times

There are only two working communal bathrooms for residents, one of which does not have an operable light, and only two communal showers.

From Los Angeles Times

Currently, there are more than 90 licensed operable nuclear reactors in the U.S. that power tens of millions of homes, anchor local communities, and actually account for half of the country's clean energy electricity production.

From Science Daily

"These findings add to evidence that the perioperative immunotherapy path gives patients with operable lung cancer an opportunity to live longer without their cancer returning."

From Science Daily

Editorials and articles have sparked a Washington State Ferries food fight over our lack of operable boats and strategies to solve that.

From Seattle Times