operable

[op-er-uh-buhl, op-ruh-]

adjective

1. that can be treated by a surgical operation.

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

operable

/ ˈɒprə-, ˈɒpərəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being treated by a surgical operation

2. capable of being operated

3. capable of being put into practice

Other Word Forms

• operability noun
• operably adverb
• nonoperable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of operable¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Had the reservoir been operable, it would have extended water pressure in the Palisades on Tuesday night, said former DWP general manager Martin Adams, an expert on the city’s water system.

Read more on Los Angeles Times