What does meltable mean?
Meltable is an adjective meaning capable of being melted or changed into a liquid by heat. It is especially useful in technical and industrial contexts, where materials, polymers, glasses, and components may be described according to whether heat can soften or liquefy them. The word differs from 'molten': meltable indicates a possibility or capacity, while molten describes a substance that is already melted or in a liquid state. In everyday English, 'meltable' is relatively uncommon, but it can make descriptions precise when discussing manufacturing, recycling, cooking, or material science. It also contrasts with substances that do not liquefy under ordinary heating because they decompose, burn, or undergo another chemical change first.
adjectiveAble to be melted or liquefied by heat.
- Able to be melted or liquefied by heat.
"The manufacturer selected a meltable plastic for the protective casing."
"This meltable compound is applied as a thin layer and then heated."
"The report identifies several meltable materials that could be separated and recycled."
The word 'meltable' turns the familiar idea of melting into a practical material description: it tells you what can be liquefied, not what has already melted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meltable come from?
The adjective is formed in English by adding the suffix '-able' to 'melt', creating a word meaning 'able to be melted'. 'Melt' comes from Old English 'meltan', with roots shared by related Germanic languages. The related form 'molten' and the compound 'meltwater' also reflect the same basic idea of liquefying or becoming liquid through heat.
Related word forms
How meltable is actually used
Less common in general conversation but common in technical, manufacturing, recycling, and materials contexts. It is usually used for substances or components that can be liquefied by heat.
Easily confused with meltable
Meltable describes something capable of being melted, whereas molten describes something that has already been melted or is liquid because of heat.