impregnable
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology 1 [edit]
Ultimately from im- (“not”), French prendre (“to take”), and -able (“able to be the object of an action”).
Adjective [edit]
impregnable (comparative more impregnable, superlative most impregnable)
- (of a fortress, wall, etc., also used figuratively) Too strong to be penetrated.
- 2011 October 2, Jonathan Jurejko, “Bolton 1 - 5 Chelsea”, BBC Sport:
- And with Bolton suffering a wretched run of five straight home defeats - their worst run in 109 years - Chelsea fans would have been forgiven for expecting a comfortable win.
But surely they did not anticipate the ease with which their team raced into an almost impregnable half-time lead.
- And with Bolton suffering a wretched run of five straight home defeats - their worst run in 109 years - Chelsea fans would have been forgiven for expecting a comfortable win.
- 2011 October 2, Jonathan Jurejko, “Bolton 1 - 5 Chelsea”, BBC Sport:
Translations [edit]
too strong to be penetrated
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Etymology 2 [edit]
From impregnate + -able, ultimately from Latin impraegnatus (“made pregnant”).
Adjective [edit]
impregnable (comparative more impregnable, superlative most impregnable)
- Capable of being impregnated.
- Following treatment, twenty percent of previously infertile females were impregnable.
- Application of the compound rendered the non-porous surface impregnable.
Translations [edit]
capable of being impregnated
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References [edit]
- Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1966).
