Shatterable: meaning, definitions and examples

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shatterable

 

[ ˈʃætərəbəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical objects

Shatterable refers to an object's ability to break into pieces or fragments easily upon impact or force. It is commonly used to describe materials that are fragile or delicate, indicating that they can be destroyed or damaged with relatively little effort.

Synonyms

breakable, delicate, fragile

Examples of usage

  • The shatterable glass figurine broke when it fell off the shelf.
  • Be careful with that shatterable vase.
  • The artist used shatterable elements in her installation.
  • Children should be warned about shatterable toys.
  • They opted for shatterable materials in the design to avoid heavy weight.

Word origin

The word 'shatterable' is derived from the verb 'shatter', which has its origins in the Middle English term 'schattren' or 'shattren', meaning to break into pieces. This word likely has Germanic roots, akin to the Old English 'sceadan', which meant to divide or separate. The suffix '-able' is added to form an adjective, indicating the capability of being shattered. As industrial and artistic practices evolved, the term came to be used more broadly to describe objects that could be easily damaged or destroyed, particularly in the context of glassware, ceramics, and other fragile materials. In contemporary usage, 'shatterable' is relevant in discussions about safety, design, and the characteristics of various materials, emphasizing the need for caution when handling fragile items.