Friable: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Latin 'friare', meaning 'to rub', which reflects how friable materials can be easily crumbled.
• It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially describing soils and materials in agriculture.
• Related terms often include descriptions of soil types, indicating their structure and how easily they can be worked with.

Science

• In geology, friable soils are important for planting because they allow air and moisture to reach plant roots easily.
• Some friable minerals, like certain clays, can aid in making pottery due to their ability to be shaped before hardening.
• In petrology, rocks described as friable are easier to weather and break down than more compact counterparts.

Education

• In science classes, students often study friable materials to understand soil composition and gardening practices.
• Friable substances are typically used in experiments to demonstrate concepts like erosion and sedimentation.
• Teachers might use friable items, such as chalk, to illustrate the interactive properties of materials in physical science.

Culinary

• In cooking, friable can describe certain pastries that have a crumbly texture, like shortbread.
• Cheeses like feta and ricotta are often referred to as friable due to their ability to break apart easily.
• Breadcrumbs, especially those made from dry bread, are a common friable ingredient in recipes for coatings and toppings.

Arts

• Friable materials are often used in art for textures, such as chalk or powdered pigments in drawings.
• In sculpture, artists might utilize friable stones to create intricate details, as they can be easily manipulated.
• The concept of friability leads to innovative techniques where artists use the breakdown of materials to create dynamic effects.

At position #14,331, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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• 14328 conquering
• 14329 budding
• 14330 antecedents
• 14331 friable
• 14332 acquittal
• 14333 nobler
• 14334 unbiased
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