irritability

[ir-i-tuh-bil-i-tee]

noun

plural

irritabilities 

1. the quality or state of being irritable.

2. Physiology, Biology.,  the ability to be excited to a characteristic action or function by the application of some stimulus.

   Protoplasm displays irritability by responding to heat.

Other Word Forms

• nonirritability noun
• superirritability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritability¹

From the Latin word irrītābilitās, dating back to 1745–55. See irritable, -ity

Related Words

• irritation