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Consumable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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consumable

[kənˈsjuːməbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

product usage

Capable of being consumed, used up, or exhausted.

Synonyms

depletable, expendable, usable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consumable

Materials or products that are intended to be used up and need to be regularly replaced. This can refer to office supplies, gadgets, and other items.

  • Printers require different kinds of consumables like ink and paper.
  • These batteries are consumable and must be replaced every month.
usable

Something that can be used for a particular purpose and is functional or practical. It refers to the state of being ready for use.

  • The software has become much more user-friendly and usable.
  • We have to ensure all equipment is usable before the event.
depletable

Resources or items that can be exhausted or diminished over time. This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, particularly regarding natural resources.

  • Fossil fuels are depletable and will eventually run out.
  • Water is a depletable resource in many regions.
expendable

Items or people that are considered unnecessary or disposable, often with a negative connotation. It's used in contexts where the item or person can be sacrificed or replaced.

  • These tools are expendable and can be disposed of after use.
  • In military terms, soldiers sometimes see themselves as expendable.

Examples of usage

  • The company offers a range of consumable products such as paper, ink cartridges, and cleaning supplies.
  • Consumable goods like food and beverages are always in demand.
  • It is important to keep track of consumable items to ensure they are replenished on time.
Context #2 | Noun

business

An item that is intended to be used up or expended, such as food, fuel, or office supplies.

Synonyms

materials, provisions, supplies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consumable

Items that are intended to be used up and replaced regularly in households or businesses. Often used in technical, business, or research contexts.

  • Printer cartridges, paper, and cleaning supplies are considered consumables in an office

Examples of usage

  • The budget for consumables in the office has been increased this year.
  • The restaurant manager ordered more consumables to meet the high demand during the holiday season.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In economics, consumables are a key part of consumer goods, representing items that are quickly used up.
  • Understanding consumables helps businesses to predict purchasing behavior and inventory needs.
  • Marketing strategies often target consumables due to their predictable turnover and repeat purchase potential.

Science

  • Consumable items can also refer to materials used in experiments or manufacturing that are depleted by use.
  • In environmental science, focusing on consumables helps study resource depletion and sustainability.
  • Some hazardous materials are categorized as consumables due to their limited lifespan before they must be disposed of or recycled.

Pop Culture

  • In video games, consumables like health potions or power-ups are crucial for gameplay strategy.
  • In the culinary world, 'consumables' can include gourmet foods, which are often featured in celebrity chef shows.
  • The rise of subscription boxes has increased interest in consumable products, introducing unique foods or beauty items monthly.

Literature

  • Consumables have become metaphors in literature, often symbolizing fleeting pleasure or the ephemerality of life.
  • In dystopian novels, scarce consumables are often a focal point, representing survival and societal collapse.
  • Some poets use consumable imagery to explore themes of desire, fulfillment, and loss.

Origin of 'consumable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin 'consumere', meaning 'to use up' or 'to destroy'.
  • In the early 19th century, it began to be used in English primarily to refer to goods that could be consumed.
  • The word has evolved to encompass not just food, but also any products intended to be used and depleted.

The word 'consumable' originated from the verb 'consume,' which comes from the Latin word 'consumere,' meaning 'to use up.' The term 'consumable' started to be used in the English language in the mid-19th century, primarily in the context of products that are intended to be used up or expended. Over time, it has become a common term in various industries, especially in business and manufacturing.

See also: consume, consumed, consumer, consumerism, consumers, consuming, consummation, consumption, consumptive.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,511, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.