operable

American  

[op-er-uh-buhl, op-ruh-] / ˈɒp ər ə bəl, ˈɒp rə- /

adjective

1. that can be treated by a surgical operation.

2. capable of being put into use, operation, or practice.

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operable British  

/ ˈɒprə-, ˈɒpərəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being treated by a surgical operation

2. capable of being operated

3. capable of being put into practice

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Other Word Forms

• nonoperable adjective
• operability noun
• operably adverb

Etymology

Origin of operable

1640–50; < Late Latin operābilis, equivalent to operā ( rī ) to work + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

She is now back in chemotherapy and surgeons say her cancer is no longer operable.

From BBC

By contrast, the Packbot, a remotely operable military robot that is also an iRobot product, runs on treaded wheels, which signals to users that it can go over rough terrain or obstructions.

From Los Angeles Times

But even that won’t be enough to fully replenish the department’s 82-bus fleet, which had dwindled to roughly two dozen operable buses by the end of last year.

From Los Angeles Times

The safe parking is for a small subset of those RV dwellers who meet two criteria: Their vehicles must be operable, and they must have proof of ownership.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked about the more robust preparations in 2011, he said the department’s fleet of operable engines was larger back then.

From Los Angeles Times