Abbreviatable

/əˈbriːv.i.ə.tə.bəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be shortened or condensed while still being understood.

Etymology

Formed from 'abbreviate' (Latin 'abbreviare': ad- 'to' + brevis 'short') plus '-able' (Latin suffix meaning 'capable of'). The root 'brevis' also gives us 'brief,' 'brevity,' and 'breve.'

Kelly Says

The root 'brevis' (short) appears in surprising places: 'brevity' (shortness), 'breve' (a musical note that's short), 'brief' (a short statement), and 'abbreviate' all share the same Latin ancestor meaning 'short.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.