op·er·a·ble \ˈäp(ə)rəbəl\adjective Etymology: Late Latin operabilis working, efficacious, from Latin operari to work + -abilis -able 1.: fit, possible, or desirable to use : practicable < a highly operable machine > 2.: suitable for surgical treatment < an operable cancer > — compare resectable • op·er·a·bly\-blē\adverb