Crumblable

Crumblable describes a substance or material that easily breaks apart into small pieces or fragments, often due to its inherent structural weakness or a lack of cohesion. This characteristic suggests a fragile nature, readily yielding to pressure, manipulation, or environmental factors like moisture or heat. The degree of crumblability can vary, ranging from a gentle flaking to a complete disintegration upon minimal force. This property is often associated with textures that are dry, porous, or friable, making the material easily pulverized. It is important to consider factors such as moisture content, binding agents present, and the presence of internal stresses when assessing the crumblability of a material, determining how susceptible it is to fragmentation.

Crumblable meaning with examples

• The old, dry cake was incredibly crumblable; a slight touch caused large portions to separate, leaving a cloud of crumbs. The lack of moisture and age had made its structure weak, almost like sand. It was so easy to handle, the mere thought of frosting it was a recipe for disaster.
• The dried clay, after a day in the sun, was surprisingly crumblable. Trying to mold it even gently, the surface just dusted away, each pressure leaving a new trail of broken pottery dust. We soon gave up making pots that day, due to lack of a suitable binder, deciding on something better hydrated.
• The rock formations along the coast were highly crumblable, the soft sandstone eroded easily. The wind and rain slowly detached layers. The area was known for rockslides, which were a result of the ongoing breakdown of the cliffs under the constant pounding of the ocean and weather.
• The ancient scrolls were rendered nearly crumblable due to age and improper storage. Attempting to unfold the brittle pages led to an avalanche of fragments. The archivists used extreme caution and specialized preservation methods.
• Over time, the compressed soil in the garden became crumblable when it dried out, showing its lack of organic matter. The texture was a perfect example of the effect of poor soil composition, losing any moisture, which was clearly needed. Improving the soil health to make it better will be a long process, so this would require special attention.