reusable
UK[ˌriːˈjuːzəbl]US[ˌriːˈjuːzəbl]
adj
designed to be used more than once.
adj
(of an idea or component) capable of being used again in a different context.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
us
able
re
again
us
use
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'reusable' is a modern english formation built from three distinct morphemes. the prefix 're-', from latin, carries the core sense of 'back' or 'again', establishing the concept of repetition. it is attached to the verb root 'use', which entered english via old french from latin 'uti', meaning 'to employ'. finally, the suffix '-able', of latin origin via french, transforms the combination into an adjective meaning 'capable of'. thus, the literal construction 'capable of being used again' perfectly encapsulates its modern meaning, describing objects or concepts designed for multiple applications to reduce waste.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + us (use) + able (capable of)
re- (latin, prefix meaning 'again'); us(e) (old french/latin, root meaning 'to use'); -able (latin/french, suffix forming adjectives meaning 'capable of, fit for').
Examples
the company encourages customers to bring reusable bags for their groceries.
this software is built with reusable code modules to improve efficiency.
a major environmental goal is to replace single-use plastics with reusable alternatives.