INTERCHANGEABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does interchangeable mean? 

• INTERCHANGEABLE (adjective)
  The adjective INTERCHANGEABLE has 2 senses:

1. (mathematics, logic) such that the arguments or roles can be interchanged

2. capable of replacing or changing places with something else; permitting mutual substitution without loss of function or suitability

  Familiarity information: INTERCHANGEABLE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INTERCHANGEABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(mathematics, logic) such that the arguments or roles can be interchanged

Context example:

the arguments of the symmetric relation, 'is a sister of,' are interchangeable

Similar:

symmetric; symmetrical (having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts)

Domain category:

logic (the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference)

Derivation:

interchangeableness (the quality of being capable of exchange or interchange)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Capable of replacing or changing places with something else; permitting mutual substitution without loss of function or suitability

Synonyms:

exchangeable; interchangeable; similar; standardised; standardized

Context example:

interchangeable parts

Similar:

replaceable (capable of being replaced)

Derivation:

interchangeability; interchangeableness (the quality of being capable of exchange or interchange)

 Context examples 

Until now, scientists had thought that mitochondria were readily interchangeable, serving only to power our bodies, and so an individual’s mitochondria could be replaced with those from a donor with no consequences.

(Interplay between mitochondria and the nucleus may have implications for changing cell’s ‘batteries’, University of Cambridge)