mobile
Definitions
Able to move or be moved freely and easily.
可移动的；活动的。
Relating to portable phones and devices.
移动的；手机的。
A mobile phone (chiefly British).
手机（主要英式）。
A hanging decoration whose parts move in the air.
（悬挂的）活动装饰物；风动雕塑。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmob (the 'movable' form of the root) + -ile (capable of) = 'able to be moved.' This is the mob- branch of the mov family, straight from Latin mōbilis. From the plain sense (mobile units, upward mobility) the word attached to phones you carry around, and a 'mobile' (the hanging sculpture) is named for parts that move freely in the breeze.
Root mov still carries 92 more wordsUsage Guide
British vs American: in Britain, 'mobile' (or 'mobile phone') is the everyday word for the device; Americans say 'cell phone' or 'cell.' As a noun meaning the phone, 'mobile' is mainly British. The hanging-sculpture sense is universal but less common. Stress stays on the first syllable: MO-bile (BrE often /ˈməʊbaɪl/, AmE /ˈmoʊbəl/).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The clinic uses a mobile unit to reach remote villages.
- 2.
Just call me on my mobile when you arrive.
- 3.
A colorful mobile hung above the baby's crib.