renewable

[ ri-noo, -nyoo ]

adjective

1. able to be renewed:

   a library book that is not renewable.

noun

1. something that is renewable.

renewable

/ rĭ-no̅o̅′ə-bəl /

1. Relating to a natural resource, such as solar energy, water, or wood, that is never used up or that can be replaced by new growth. Resources that are dependent on regrowth can sometimes be depleted beyond the point of renewability, as when the deforestation of land leads to desertification or when a commercially valuable species is harvested to extinction. Pollution can also make a renewable resource such as water unusable in a particular location.
2. Compare nonrenewable

Other Words From

• re·newa·bili·ty noun
• nonre·newa·ble adjective
• unre·newa·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of renewable¹

First recorded in 1720–30; renew + -able

Example Sentences

What was made possible with Si2 on a small scale should guide the way to future-proofing power-generation systems that are made up entirely of renewable energy.

From TechCrunch

Plus, additional funds go toward her long-term goal of converting the farm to renewable power.

From Washington Post

We’re also happy to say that Jon Shieber will become our new Climate Editor, focused on the startups and funding being put behind renewables, environmental technology and green businesses.

From TechCrunch

Dominion had argued that the proposal would have hurt its ability to invest in renewable energy projects.

From ProPublica

The cost of building new renewables is becoming increasingly competitive with the cost of adding additional capacity to existing fossil fuel facilities.

From Popular-Science

But renewable electricity is playing an increasingly important role in car production.

From The Daily Beast

The total cost of the so-called Competitive Renewable Energy Zones: $7 billion.

From The Daily Beast

That means that financial innovation is now as important to scaling up renewable energy as engineering innovation.

From The Daily Beast

Braley touted his bipartisan record in Washington on legislation to promote renewable energy and help veterans.

From The Daily Beast

Sarkozy can be held 24 hours, renewable once for a second 24-hour stretch.

From The Daily Beast

After that, the notes renewable annually and (perhaps) a larger part of the principal payable semi-annually.

From Project Gutenberg

These heavy tips are in two parts, the oxygen check being renewable.

From Project Gutenberg

Renewable term-insurance premiums are lower than straight life insurance because in the former there is no cash surrender value.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, however, prepared to grant leases of thirty-five years, renewable on complying with certain forms.

From Project Gutenberg

It has influenced my thinking in all things connected with our renewable resources.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inexhaustible
• sustainable