First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
frangible
adjective fran·gi·ble \ˈfran-jə-bəl\
Definition of FRANGIBLE
: readily or easily broken
— fran·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌfran-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
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Origin of FRANGIBLE
Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin frangibilis, from Latin frangere to break — more at break
Related to FRANGIBLE
- Antonyms
- infrangible, nonbreakable, strong, sturdy, tough, unbreakable
Synonym Discussion of FRANGIBLE
fragile, frangible, brittle, crisp, friable mean breaking easily. fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling <a fragile antique chair>. frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy <frangible stone used for paving>. brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness <brittle bones>. crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods <crisp lettuce>. friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized <friable soil>.
Rhymes with FRANGIBLE
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