Frangible

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfræn.dʒɪ.bəl/

Definitions

• 1. Capable of being broken or easily broken.
• 2. Delicate or fragile in nature, especially referring to materials or objects.

Usage Examples

• "The frangible glass vase shattered into pieces when it fell off the table."
• "Frangible materials like porcelain must be handled with extreme care."
• "The frangible nature of the agreement meant it could easily be dissolved with minimal provocation."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "frangibilis," meaning "able to be broken," which is from "frangere" meaning "to break." The suffix "-able" indicates the ability to do something, so "frangible" means "able to be broken."

Synonyms

• Fragile
• Brittle
• Delicate
• Breakable
• Shatterable

Antonyms

• Durable
• Resilient
• Strong
• Indestructible
• Robust

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different English-speaking regions, pronunciation may vary slightly, but the core pronunciation remains the same, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Historical Usage

First recorded in the early 19th century, "frangible" has primarily been used in scientific and technical contexts to describe materials prone to breaking. It has since expanded to more figurative uses in describing delicate situations or relationships.

Cultural Nuances

"Frangible" often appears in discussions surrounding delicate or fragile objects and is used in contrast to more robust, durable materials. In cultural contexts, it emphasizes vulnerability and the need for careful handling or consideration.

More Information

The term "frangible" is frequently applied in fields such as materials science, engineering, and manufacturing to indicate the tendency of a material to break or shatter under stress. It is also used metaphorically to describe situations, agreements, or relationships that are fragile and prone to collapse. Understanding the nature of frangibility can lead to improved handling, preservation, and prevention of damage in various contexts.