FRIABLE Meaning and
Definition
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Friable is an adjective that refers to the quality or state of an object or substance being easily crumbled or reduced to powder when touched or pressure is applied. This term is commonly used in various scientific, medical, and industrial contexts.
In geology and soil science, friable is utilized to describe rocks or soils that have a loose and crumbly texture. These materials can break apart or disintegrate with minimal effort due to their inherent porosity and weak cohesion. This attribute is often associated with sandy or loamy soils that possess good drainage capabilities.
In medicine, the term is used to classify tissue that is delicate and prone to crumbling during medical procedures or examinations. It can be used to describe tumors, especially those with a loose or granular consistency. For example, a friable skin lesion would mean that the lesion breaks apart easily upon contact.
In industrial applications, friability is a crucial quality used to describe the physical integrity of materials, especially in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. A friability test measures how prone a tablet or pellet is to crumbling or disintegration under mechanical stress. This property is analyzed to ensure the quality, effectiveness, and safety of these products.
Overall, friable is a descriptive term used to highlight the fragility and ease with which an object or substance can be broken, crumbled, or reduced to powder, providing insight into its physical properties and behavior under pressure or stress.
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Easily reduced to powder.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Easily crumbled; easily reduced to powder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FRIABLE
Etymology of FRIABLE
The word "friable" derives from the Latin term "frībilis", which translates to "easily crumbled or broken". It is derived from the Latin verb "frīdere", meaning "to crumble" or "to crush". The term entered the English language in the early 19th century, and it is typically used to describe substances or materials that are easily crumbled, pulverized, or broken into small fragments when they are touched, pressed, or subjected to external pressure.
Similar spelling words for FRIABLE
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