programmable

or pro·gram·a·ble

[ proh-gram-uh-buhl, proh-gram- ]

adjective

1. capable of being programmed.

noun

1. an electronic device, as a calculator or telephone, that can be programmed to perform specific tasks.

programmable

/ prəʊˈɡræməbəl /

adjective

1. (esp of a device or operation) capable of being programmed for automatic operation or computer processing

Derived Forms

• proˌgrammaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• program·ma·bili·ty noun
• nonpro·gramma·ble adjective
• re·program·ma·ble adjective
• un·program·ma·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of programmable¹

First recorded in 1955–60; program + -able

Example Sentences

To overcome these challenges, the research team combined robotics, machine learning algorithms, and materials science expertise to enable the accelerated design of aerogels with programmable mechanical and electrical properties.

From Science Daily

His work has been supported by a UMD Grand Challenges Team Project Grant for the programmable design of natural plastic substitutes, jointly awarded to UMD Mechanical Engineering Professor Teng Li.

From Science Daily

This, he says, is an important step toward a programmable blood system that could also assume functions on demand -- for example, to correct a serious genetic defect or to impart resistance to specific viruses such as HIV.

From Science Daily

Using CRISPRi-ART, a programmable RNA tool for studying genomes, the researchers were able to demonstrate that PicA is an essential component of the Chimalliviridae nucleus development and replication process.

From Science Daily

To do this, they used a new programmable peptide-DNA technology that directs peptides, the building blocks of proteins, and repurposed genetic material to work together to form a cytoskeleton.

From Science Daily