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Frangible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’”
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frangible

[หˆfrรฆndส’ษ™bษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

used in materials or objects

Easily broken or shattered. Something that is frangible is fragile and can be easily damaged or destroyed.

Synonyms

breakable, crisp, fragile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frangible

Best used in technical or specialized contexts to describe materials that are designed to break easily or shatter, often for safety reasons.

  • The safety barrier was made of frangible material for quick disassembly in an emergency.
  • Frangible bullets are designed to break apart on impact for safer use in training environments.
fragile

Used to describe objects that are easily damaged or broken, often implying a need for careful handling. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something delicate or vulnerable.

  • Handle the fragile glassware with care.
  • Her emotions were fragile after the recent loss.
breakable

Commonly used in everyday language to describe objects that can be easily broken.

  • Please be careful with that vase; it's very breakable.
  • Wrap the breakable items in bubble wrap before packing them.
crisp

Usually describes food that is firm and crunchy or weather that is refreshingly cool and dry. It is not typically used to describe objects that can be broken.

  • I love the taste of fresh, crisp apples.
  • We went for a walk in the crisp autumn air.

Examples of usage

  • The frangible glass ornaments were carefully packed for shipping.
  • The frangible nature of the delicate porcelain made it susceptible to cracks.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Certain frangible materials are often used in products designed to intentionally break, like safety glass.
  • In physics, frangible materials are studied for their properties when subjected to stress.
  • Frangible ammunition is designed to disintegrate upon impact, reducing the risk of ricochet.

Literature

  • Frangible characters in literature often symbolize vulnerability or the fragility of life.
  • Authors use frangible elements to create tension or to highlight a character's delicate state of mind.
  • The concept of frangibility appears in poetry, often used to evoke emotions related to loss.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, frangible objects often serve as plot devices, where a shattered glass or breakable item signifies a turning point.
  • The depiction of frangible items in artwork can symbolize the beauty in vulnerability, resonating with audiences.
  • Frangible concepts are often explored in modern music as metaphors for emotional fragility.

Psychology

  • The idea of emotional frangibility explores how certain people are more sensitive to stress and criticism.
  • Frangible relationships often highlight the delicacy in human connections and the ease with which they can be damaged.
  • Psychological studies suggest that understanding oneโ€™s own frangibility can lead to greater empathy towards others.

Origin of 'frangible'

Main points about word origin

  • Derives from the Latin word 'frangere', meaning 'to break'.
  • The term combines the prefix 'frang-' with the suffix '-able', indicating it can be broken.
  • First used in English in the late 19th century, showcasing its precise descriptive use.

The word 'frangible' originates from the Latin word 'frangere', which means 'to break'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The term is commonly used in the context of materials or objects that are easily broken or shattered.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,839, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.