operable

The word 'operable' is a modern English formation built directly upon the Latin foundation. Its core, oper-, originates from the Latin verb operari, meaning to work or toil, which itself derives from the noun opus (work). The suffix -able, entering English via Old French from the Latin -abilis, consistently denotes capability. Thus, the literal construction "capable of being worked upon" provides the precise logic for its dual modern meanings. In a medical context, it evolved to specifically mean a condition capable of being worked on surgically, while in general/mechanical use, it denotes a system capable of functioning or being put to work.

Structure: oper (work) + able (capable of) - oper: From Latin operari (to work, to labor). It functions as the core root conveying the sense of work or operation. - able: From Latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to". It functions as a derivational suffix indicating capacity or suitability.