friable
UK: ˈfraɪəbəl | US: ˈfraɪəbəl
adj. easily crumbled or reduced to powder
adj. fragile or brittle in texture
friable = fri<to rub> + able<capable of>
- fri (from Latin fricare, meaning "to rub")
- able (suffix from Latin -abilis, indicating capability)
Etymology Origin:
The word "friable" originates from Latin friabilis, derived from fricare ("to rub"). The root fri- conveys the idea of friction or crumbling, while -able denotes susceptibility. Historically, it described materials that could be easily rubbed or broken into powder, a meaning retained in modern usage (e.g., soil or dry bread). The logic reflects physical fragility through the lens of friction.
The friable sandstone eroded quickly under the wind.
Overbaked cookies become too friable to handle.
This soil is ideal for gardening because it’s loose and friable.
The ancient manuscript was so friable that it disintegrated at a touch.
Geologists noted the friable nature of the volcanic ash.