IRRITABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does irritable mean? 

• IRRITABLE (adjective)
  The adjective IRRITABLE has 3 senses:

1. easily irritated or annoyed

2. abnormally sensitive to a stimulus

3. capable of responding to stimuli

  Familiarity information: IRRITABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IRRITABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Easily irritated or annoyed

Synonyms:

cranky; fractious; irritable; nettlesome; peckish; peevish; pettish; petulant; scratchy; techy; testy; tetchy

Context example:

not the least nettlesome of his countrymen

Similar:

ill-natured (having an irritable and unpleasant disposition)

Derivation:

irritability (a disposition to exhibit uncontrolled anger)

irritability (an irritable petulant feeling)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Abnormally sensitive to a stimulus

Similar:

sensitive (responsive to physical stimuli)

Domain category:

pathology (the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases)

Derivation:

irritability (excessive sensitivity of an organ or body part)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Capable of responding to stimuli

Synonyms:

excitable; irritable

Similar:

sensitive (responsive to physical stimuli)

Domain category:

physiology (the branch of the biological sciences dealing with the functioning of organisms)

 Context examples 

A question about whether an individual feels or felt irritable.

(Feel Irritable, NCI Thesaurus)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine.

(Irritable Bowel Syndrome, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Catherine, weak-spirited, irritable, and completely under Lydia's guidance, had been always affronted by their advice; and Lydia, self-willed and careless, would scarcely give them a hearing.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

This agent is used to treat diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in women.

(Alosetron, NCI Thesaurus)

He was aware that his eyes were tired and that he was irritable.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Changes in these microbes have been associated with several diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome.

(Food additives promote inflammation, colon cancer in mice, National Institutes of Health)

A question about whether an individual is or has been irritable with other people due to problems with their teeth, dentures or mouth.

(Irritable with Other People due to Problems with Teeth, Dentures or Mouth, NCI Thesaurus)

It can also make you irritable and affect your ability to concentrate and remember.

(Lead Poisoning, Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry)

The itching may become intense, interfere with sleep, and make you irritable.

(Pinworms, NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

Sherlock Holmes was too irritable for conversation and too restless for sleep.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)