operable
/ˈɒp(ə)rəb(ə)l
/adjective
1Able to be used: less than half the rail network was operable...
- With keys often left in vehicles, access to keys often unregulated, and manufacturers' keys sometimes operable on more than one unit, thieves often are able to simply drive equipment off a work site.
- Once DNA sequencing devices become operable by an unskilled individual anyone will be able to find out their own DNA sequence.
- But the challenge ahead lies in making the decree operable, so that it complements other regulations and is adopted by the regions, thus assisting in eliminating victim stigmatization and discrimination in the workplace.
2Able to be treated by means of a surgical operation: operable breast cancer...
- Whatever the case may be, it is clear that surgical treatment for operable lung cancer has come a far way since its formidable beginning of pneumonectomy in 1933.
- Between a quarter and a third of women diagnosed with operable breast cancer will have a recurrence of their disease within five years of it being diagnosed.
- Within five years of the diagnosis of operable breast cancer, the disease recurs in up to one third of women.
Derivatives
operability
- Vehicle manufacturers agreed, and argue now that ethanol blends of greater than 10 per cent will affect engine operability in components such as fuel lines.
- The priority is institutional reform in order to achieve operability, otherwise the system will collapse, as the commission did, last year.
- We need to legislate standards for operability and stability of software so that I can spend more time blogging and less time re-formatting.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from late Latin operabilis, from Latin operari 'expend labour on' (see operate).