Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Liable to decay or spoil or become putrid: Describes something, typically a perishable substance like food, that is susceptible to decomposition, rotting, or becoming unfit for use.

2. Noun:

   • Food that will decay rapidly if not refrigerated: Refers to a type of perishable foodstuff that requires refrigeration to prevent rapid spoilage.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • Milk is highly spoilable and must be kept cold. (Milk is highly susceptible to spoilage and must be kept cold.)
  • The spoilable nature of fresh fish means it must be transported quickly. (The perishable nature of fresh fish means it must be transported quickly.)

• Noun:

  • When camping, we avoid bringing too many spoilables. (When camping, we avoid bringing too many foods that spoil quickly.)
  • The delivery truck is refrigerated to protect the spoilables. (The delivery truck is refrigerated to protect the perishable foods.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Commercial Context: The term is often used in logistics, food science, and commerce to categorize goods.
  • The warehouse has separate storage areas for spoilables and non-perishables. (The warehouse has separate storage areas for perishable and non-perishable goods.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spoil (verb): To become unfit for use or consumption; to decay.
  • The fruit will spoil in the heat.
• Perishable (adjective/noun): A very common synonym with identical meaning in this context.
  • Perishable goods (adjective).
  • A truckload of perishables (noun).
• Putrescible (adjective): Liable to become putrid; a more technical synonym.
• Decayable (adjective): Liable to decay.

Synonyms

• Perishable: (Adjective/Noun) Liable to perish or decay.
• Decomposable: Capable of being decomposed.
• Putrescible: Liable to become putrid.

Antonyms

• Non-perishable: Not liable to spoil quickly.
• Stable: (In a chemical/biological context) Not readily decomposing.
• Preserved: Treated to prevent spoilage.

Adjective

1. liable to decay or spoil or become putrid

Noun

1. food that will decay rapidly if not refrigerated