Dictionary

operable

adjective op·er·a·ble \ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl\

: able to be used : capable of operating or of being operated

medical : able to be corrected or removed by surgery

Full Definition of OPERABLE

: fit, possible, or desirable to use : practicable

: likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment <an operable cancer>

— op·er·a·bil·i·ty \ˌä-p(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— op·er·a·bly \ˈä-pə-rə-blē\ adverb

See operable defined for English-language learners

See operable defined for kids

1646

Synonyms: available, employable, exploitable, fit, functional, usable, practicable, serviceable, useful

Antonyms: impracticable, inoperable, nonfunctional, unavailable, unemployable, unusable

Medical Dictionary

adjective op·er·a·ble \ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl\

: fit, possible, or desirable to use

: likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment

—op·er·a·bil·i·ty \ˌäp-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun, plural op·er·a·bil·i·ties

Next Word in the Dictionary: opéra bouffePrevious Word in the Dictionary: opéra balletAll Words Near: operable

What made you want to look up operable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears