"Friable" is used to describe something that can be easily reduced to a powdered form. In contemporary usage, it is often found in the discussion of asbestos.

In materials science, friability (/ ˌfraɪ.əˈbɪləti / FRY-ə-BIL-ə-tee), the condition of being friable, describes the tendency of a solid substance to break into smaller pieces under stress or contact, especially by …

Paste is porous and friable; it fractures rather than crumbles, although some sherds break more easily than others.

FRIABLE definition: easily crumbled or reduced to powder; crumbly. See examples of friable used in a sentence.

Dec 14, 2025 · friable (comparative more friable, superlative most friable) Easily broken into small fragments, crumbled, or reduced to powder. quotations

Definition of friable adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

friable (ˈfraɪəbəl) adj easily broken up; crumbly [C16: from Latin friābilis, from friāre to crumble; related to Latin fricāre to rub down]

4 days ago · What is friable asbestos? We explain the physical state that allows for easy fiber release, the critical risk difference, and necessary safety protocols.

adjective easily broken into small fragments or reduced to powder “ friable sandstone” “ friable carcinomatous tissue” “ friable curds formed in the stomach” synonyms: crumbly breakable

However, such substances are not generally considered friable because of the degree of difficulty involved in breaking the substance's chemical bonds through mechanical means.