[vul.ner.a.ble] adj [LL vulnerabilis, fr. L vulnerare to wound, fr. vulner-, vulnus wound; prob. akin to L vellere to pluck, Gk oule wound] (1605) 1: capable of being physically wounded
2: open to attack or damage: assailable
3: liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge -- vul.ner.a.bil.i.ty n -- vul.ner.a.ble.ness n -- vul.ner.a.bly adv