perishable
PER-ish-uh-bul
/ˈperɪʃəbl/
Likely to decay, spoil, or spoil quickly if not properly refrigerated or preserved.
Describes raw food items, dairy, seafood, and cooked meals requiring time-sensitive delivery.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'perire' (to vanish, perish), composed of 'per-' (completely) + 'ire' (to go). So perishable literally describes something that 'completely goes away'.
Word relationships
- decomposable: Decomposable is a biological term for breaking down, whereas perishable specifically refers to food spoilage risks in trade.
- short-lived: Short-lived refers to time length in general, whereas perishable focuses on organic degradation.
- non-perishable: Food or goods that last indefinitely without spoiling, like canned goods.
- durable: Able to withstand wear and environmental decay over long periods.
Commonly confused with
- permissible: Permissible means allowed or permitted, while perishable means prone to spoiling.
Word family
- perish (verb): To rot, decay, or die.
- perishability (noun): The quality of being liable to spoil.
Collocations
- perishable goods
- highly perishable
- perishable items
- perishable cargo
Example sentences
- "Farmers rushed to transport their perishable soft fruits to market before spoilage occurred." Agricultural transportation
- "All perishable items in the delivery must be packed with ice gel packs and handled promptly." Food shipping protocol
Memory hook
PERISHABLE items will PERISH if left on the table! Eat perishable before it perishes.
When not to use
Do not use to describe inorganic, durable goods like electronics or metal tools.
Fun facts
- The modern global trade in perishable food depends on 'cold chain' technology, which keeps goods chilled uninterrupted from farm to fork.
Related words
Explore more words
spoilage, shelf-stable, preservative, cold-chain, imperishable, preserve
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