English edit

Etymology edit

From illustrate +‎ -able, imitating a pattern of omitting -ate when adding -able, a pattern probably derived from words derived from Latin adjectives that are derived from Latin verbs which entered English via a form derived from the past participle.

Adjective edit

illustrable (comparative more illustrable, superlative most illustrable)

  1. Capable of illustration.
    Synonym: illustratable
    • 1658, Thomas Browne, “The Garden of Cyrus. []. Chapter II.”, in Hydriotaphia, Urne-buriall, [] Together with The Garden of Cyrus, [], London: [] Hen[ry] Brome [], →OCLC, pages 112–113:
      Mechanicks make uſe hereof in forcipall Organs, and Inſtruments of Inciſion; vvherein vvho can but magnifie the povver of decuſſation, inſervient to contrary ends, ſolution and conſolidation, union, and diviſion, illuſtrable from Ariſtotle in the old Nucifragium or Nutcracker, and the Inſtruments of Evulſion, compreſſion, or inciſion; []