a. and sb. [f. CONSUME v. + -ABLE.]
A. adj. Capable of being consumed by fire, etc.; suited for consumption as food, etc.
1641. Wilkins, Math. Magick (1680), 248. It does truly agree in this common quality ascribed unto both [Asbestos, or only Plumeallum] being incombustible, and not consumable by fire.
1670. Brooks, Wks. (1867), VI. 207. If a consumable body be not able to endure burning flames for a day.
1719. W. Wood, Surv. Trade, 116. Consumeable and detrimental Commodities.
1841. D’Israeli, Amen. Lit. (1867), 332. The prices at which all consumable articles were to be sold.
a. 1864. Hawthorne, Eng. Note-bks. (1879), II. 263. The palace took fire and was consumed, so far as consumable.
B. sb. pl. Articles of consumption.
1802. W. Taylor, in Robberds, Mem., I. 408. The price of consumables has not augmented.
1809–10. Coleridge, Friend (ed. 3), II. 59. I presume all these consumables were produced by, and purchased from, other British subjects.
