What does turnable mean?
Turnable is an adjective meaning able to be turned or rotated. It describes an object whose orientation or position can be changed by applying force to a handle, axis, frame, or other part, rather than describing a person or device that performs the turning. A turnable camera mount, display base, or machine component can therefore be repositioned without removing or replacing it. The word is uncommon in everyday conversation but useful in technical, mechanical, and descriptive writing. It should not be confused with tunable: a tunable device may be adjusted across a range of settings, while a turnable object is specifically able to be physically turned. Although relatively rare, turnable is formed according to a familiar English pattern, combining turn with the suffix -able, meaning “able to be.”
adjectiveAble to be turned or rotated, especially into a different orientation or position.
- Able to be turned or rotated into a different orientation or position.
"The sculpture rests on a turnable base, allowing visitors to view it from different angles."
"The turnable mounting plate allows the telescope to rotate around the axis of the tripod."
"The technician made sure that the turnable section of the mechanism could move freely."
Turnable does not describe something that turns something else—it describes something that can itself be turned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turnable come from?
Turnable was formed in English by combining turn with the productive suffix -able, which comes ultimately from Latin -abilis, meaning “able to be” or “liable to be.” English turn entered through Old French turner or tourner, from Latin tornare, meaning “to turn.” Related vocabulary includes tour and tournament, both influenced by forms of French tourner, while return incorporates the same English root with the prefix re-. The root also appears in forms such as torn- seen in tornado.
How turnable is actually used
Turnable is relatively uncommon and is most often used in descriptive or technical contexts. It normally follows the noun, as in “a turnable frame” or “a turnable panel.”
Easily confused with turnable
A tunable system can be adjusted across a range of settings, whereas a turnable object can be physically turned or rotated.