Friable

Describing a material that is easily crumbled or reduced to powder, often due to its loose or soft consistency. The term commonly refers to substances like soil, rock, or food that can be readily broken apart. friable materials may be found in construction, geology, and agriculture, where their properties influence their usability and stability.

Friable meaning with examples

• After the heavy rains, the once solid clay soil became friable, making it easy for the farmers to till and prepare for planting. They appreciated how the moisture transformed the soil into something that was workable and receptive to their planting efforts, ensuring better crop yields.
• When baking the perfect pie, it is essential that the dough is kept friable. If it becomes too warm or overworked, the texture can turn tough instead of light and crumbly. The delicate balance of ingredients must be maintained to achieve that sought-after flaky crust.
• The old sandstone crumbled easily under the gardener's hands, proving to be friable and requiring care when handling. The gardener learned that while the stone was beautiful, its fragile nature meant it was best suited for decorative purposes rather than structural ones.
• During the geological survey, the researchers discovered a friable rock formation that posed a challenge for excavation. They had to employ careful techniques to avoid further crumbling the material, knowing that its instability could lead to unsafe conditions.