renewable

the word "renewable" is a modern english formation built from three distinct morphemes. the prefix "re-," from latin, introduces the core concept of repetition or a return to a previous state. this is attached to the english adjective "new," which originates from old english and carries the sense of freshness or recent origin. finally, the suffix "-able," derived from latin via old french, adds the meaning of "having the capacity or quality of." the literal combination, "capable of being made new again," perfectly captures the modern technical and legal meanings. it logically applies to resources like energy that can be naturally replenished, as well as to contracts or agreements that can be extended for a further period.

Structure: re (again) + new (recently made) + able (capable of) re: from latin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back." new: from old english "neowe," "niowe," meaning "recently made, fresh, young." able: from latin "-abilis," a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to."