a. [ L. friabilis, fr. friare to rub, break, or crumble into small pieces, cf. fricare to rub, E. fray: cf. F. friable. ] Easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder. “Friable ground.” Evelyn. “Soft and friable texture.” Paley. -- Fri'a*ble*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]