definitions

irritability

[ ir-i-tuh-bil-i-tee ]
/ ˌɪr ɪ təˈbɪl ɪ ti /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR irritability ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural ir·ri·ta·bil·i·ties.

the quality or state of being irritable.
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.

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RELATED WORDS

irritation, anger, annoyance, peevishness, impatience

Nearby words

irrigable, irrigate, irrigation, irrigative, irriguous, irritability, irritable, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable heart, irritant, irritate

Origin of irritability

From the Latin word irrītābilitās, dating back to 1745–55. See irritable, -ity
Related formsnon·ir·ri·ta·bil·i·ty, nounsu·per·ir·ri·ta·bil·i·ty, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for irritability

Word Origin and History for irritability

irritability

n.

1755, from irritable + -ity.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for irritability

irritability

[ ĭr′ĭ-tə-bĭl′ĭ-tē ]

n.

The capacity to respond to stimuli.
Abnormal or excessive sensitivity to stimuli of an organism, organ, or body part.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.