VERSATILE

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does versatile mean? 

• VERSATILE (adjective)
  The adjective VERSATILE has 4 senses:

1. having great diversity or variety

2. changeable or inconstant

3. competent in many areas and able to turn with ease from one thing to another

4. able to move freely in all directions

  Familiarity information: VERSATILE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• VERSATILE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having great diversity or variety

Synonyms:

various; versatile

Context example:

his vast and versatile erudition

Similar:

varied (characterized by variety)

Derivation:

versatility (having a wide variety of skills)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Changeable or inconstant

Context example:

versatile moods

Similar:

variable (liable to or capable of change)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Competent in many areas and able to turn with ease from one thing to another

Context example:

a versatile writer

Similar:

skilled (having or showing or requiring special skill)

Derivation:

versatility (having a wide variety of skills)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Able to move freely in all directions

Context example:

a versatile anther of a flower moves freely in the wind

Similar:

mobile (moving or capable of moving readily (especially from place to place))

Domain category:

biological science; biology (the science that studies living organisms)

 Context examples 

However, it has proven to be much more versatile.

(ESO Telescope Observes Exoplanet Where It Rains Iron, ESO)

Scientists have begun to focus more on siRNAs as potential cancer therapies in the last decade, as they offer a versatile solution to disease treatment – all you need to know is the sequence of the gene you want to inhibit and you can make the corresponding siRNA that will break it down.

(Nanoparticles used to transport anti-cancer agent to cells, University of Cambridge)

Materials used to create the light actuated materials include polydimethylsoloxane (PDMS), which is a widely used transparent elastomer often shaped into flexible films, and silk fibroin, which is a versatile biocompatible material with excellent optical properties that can be shaped into a wide range of forms—from films to gels, threads, blocks and sponges.

(New Materials Developed by Scientists Able to Move in Response to Light, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)