I. ˈperə̇shəbəl, -rēsh- adjective
Etymology: perish (I) + -able
1. : liable to perish : subject to destruction, death, decay, or deterioration : not durable
human life on this minute and perishable planet is but a mock episode — L.P.Smith
especially : subject to quick deterioration or spoilage except under proper conditions (as of temperature or moisture content)
perishable foods such as butter and fruit
2. : that cannot be conserved indefinitely : highly consumable
no art is so perishable as music — P.H.Lang
jazz is perishable , ephemeral, elusive — Whitney Balliett
news is one of the perishable products that can lose much or all of its value by delays — Modern Industry
estimates for perishable tools and tool grinding — R.E.Cross
skills are highly perishable … unless practice keeps pace with technological improvements — Newsweek
II. noun
( -s )
: something subject to death, destruction, or especially rapid decay or deterioration — usually used in plural (as of foodstuffs)
perishables such as dairy products, meats, and fruits