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versatile

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The definition of versatile is having many uses.

(adjective)

An example of versatile is the ability of a Kitchen Aid mixer with many attachments.

See versatile in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

1. competent in many things; able to turn easily from one subject or occupation to another; many-sided
2. adaptable to many uses or functions
Rare
1. that can be turned or moved around, as on a hinge or pivot
2. fickle; inconstant
Bot. turning about freely on the filament to which it is attached, as an anther
Zool.
1. moving forward or backward, as the toes of a bird
2. movable in any direction, as the antenna of an insect

Origin: Fr < L versatilis, that turns around, movable, versatile < versatus, pp. of versare, to turn often, freq. of vertere, to turn: see verse

Related Forms:

versatilely adverb
versatility noun

See versatile in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Capable of doing many things competently.
Having varied uses or serving many functions: “The most versatile of vegetables is the tomato” (Craig Claiborne).
Variable or inconstant; changeable: a versatile temperament.
Biology Capable of moving freely in all directions, as the antenna of an insect, the toe of an owl, or the loosely attached anther of a flower.

Origin:

Origin: Latin versātilis

Origin: , from versātus

Origin: , past participle of versāre, to turn; see wer-² in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: