释义 |
consumable, a. and n.|kənˈsjuːməb(ə)l| [f. consume v. + -able.] A. adj. Capable of being consumed by fire, etc.; suited for consumption as food, etc.; esp. designating goods or the like which are used up or worn out by use (see also quot. 1920).
1641Wilkins Math. Magick (J.), Asbestos..being incombustible, and not consumable by fire. 1670Brooks Wks. (1867) VI. 207 If a consumable body be not able to endure burning flames for a day. 1719W. Wood Surv. Trade 116 Consumeable and detrimental Commodities. 1841D'Israeli Amen. Lit. (1867) 332 The prices at which all consumable articles were to be sold. a1864Hawthorne Eng. Note-bks. (1879) II. 263 The palace took fire and was consumed, so far as consumable. 1920H. G. Wells Outl. Hist. xxxvii. 614/2 ‘Consumable goods’ is a phrase we would have understood in the widest sense to represent even such things as a journey, a lecture or theatrical entertainment, housing, medical advice; and so forth. 1955Times 26 May 18/1 Consumable goods which are not available obviously cannot be absorbed. 1957B.B.C. Handbk. 51 The supply to all BBC centres of valves, camera tubes, and similar consumable items is undertaken by Valve Section. 1960Design July 32/2 A cheap toothbrush..might put the toothbrush into the category of a consumable item. B. n. pl. Articles of consumption.
1802W. Taylor in Robberds Mem. I. 408 The price of consumables has not augmented. 1809–10Coleridge Friend (ed. 3) II. 59, I presume all these consumables were produced by, and purchased from, other British subjects. |