capable of being put into use, operation, or practice.
Origin
1640-50; < Late Latinoperābilis, equivalent to operā(rī) to work + -bilis-ble
Related forms
operability, noun
operably, adverb
nonoperable, adjective
Examples from the web for operable
Even with manufactured goods the logic isn't always operable.
Windows will be tested to ensure that they are operable, meaning that no undue pressure is being exerted against the frames.
Six tricycles are known to still exist, but none are operable.
It has proved to be a fast and significantly less-intrusive way to identify operable cancers.
British Dictionary definitions for operable
operable
/ˈɒpərəbəl; ˈɒprə-/
adjective
1.
capable of being treated by a surgical operation
2.
capable of being operated
3.
capable of being put into practice
Derived Forms
operability, noun operably, adverb
Word Origin and History for operable
adj.
1640s, "practicable," from operate + -able, or else from Late Latin operabilis. Surgical sense, "capable of treatment by operation," recorded by 1904. Related: Operability.
operable in Medicine
operable op·er·a·ble (ŏp'ər-ə-bəl, ŏp'rə-) adj. Being treatable by surgical operation with a reasonable degree of safety and chance of success.