What does friable mean?
The term 'friable' refers to a substance or material that is easily broken or crumbled. This adjective is often used to describe soil, rocks, or other geological formations that are prone to erosion or disintegration. Friable materials can be fragile and may require special handling or storage to prevent damage. In some contexts, 'friable' may also imply a lack of cohesion or stability, making it difficult to work with or manipulate the material. Overall, 'friable' is a useful term for describing the physical properties of a substance and its potential for breaking or crumbling.
adjectiveCapable of being crushed or reduced to powder; easily broken or crumbled.
- 1. Capable of being crushed or reduced to powder; easily broken or crumbled.
"The friable soil was prone to erosion after heavy rainfall."
"The friable soil was prone to erosion after heavy rainfall."
"The artist used friable clay to create a delicate sculpture."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of friable
The word 'friable' originates from the Latin 'frangere', meaning 'to break'. This root is also seen in other English words such as 'fracture' and 'fractious'. The term 'friable' entered Middle English from Old French 'frayable', which is derived from the same Latin root.
Usage notes
In geology, 'friable' is often used to describe soil or rock formations that are prone to erosion or disintegration. In art, 'friable' may refer to a type of clay or other material that is easily broken or crumbled. The term can also imply a lack of cohesion or stability, making it difficult to work with or manipulate the material.