Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of being reduced in size, especially by exposure to heat or moisture: Describes a material or object that can undergo a process of becoming smaller, typically through washing, drying, or other treatments.
   • Susceptible to contraction: Indicates the property of something that can diminish in dimensions or volume.

Usage

• The primary use is to describe textiles, fabrics, or garments that may become smaller when washed or dried.
• It can also be applied more generally to any material or object with the potential to contract.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Always check the label to see if a garment is shrinkable before washing it in hot water.
  • This shrinkable wool sweater must be dry-cleaned to maintain its size.
  • The new polymer is not shrinkable, making it ideal for precision components.

Advanced Usage

• "Pre-shrunk": A related term describing a fabric that has been treated to minimize further shrinkage. A "shrinkable" fabric is one that has not undergone this process.
  • Even pre-shrunk cotton can be slightly shrinkable under extreme conditions.

Variants and Related Words

• Shrink (verb): To become or make smaller in size.
  • Wool can shrink if washed improperly.
• Shrinkage (noun): The process, amount, or degree of shrinking.
  • The shrinkage of the fabric was about five percent.
• Non-shrinkable (adj.): Not capable of being shrunk; resistant to contraction.
  • For this application, we need a non-shrinkable material.

Synonyms

• Contractible: Capable of contracting or being contracted.
• Reducible: Capable of being made smaller or less.

Antonyms

• Non-shrinkable: Not capable of shrinking.
• Stable: Not likely to change or shrink; remaining the same size.

Adjective

1. capable of being shrunk
   • a shrinkable fabric