Frangible: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.