Talk:referenceable

Is this a real word? I can't find it in the other dictionaries
 * We only go on primary evidence (use of the word) not secondary evidence (appearance in dictionaries) so appearance in other dictionaries is irrelevant. Mglovesfun (talk) 12:08, 4 December 2012 (UTC)

Referenceable is an unnecessary construct probably invented by computer programmers who deal with variables or objects that refer to other constants, variables or objects. Such a reference is typically called that, a "reference" in the jargon of computer programming. Such noun-form uses of the word "reference" are then used as the basis for the (jargon) verb (to) "reference" something, meaning to acquire the actual contents of the "referenced" constant, variable or object. Referenceable would be, in effect, an adjective derived from that verb form of "reference" which is derived from the verb "refer" which already has an adjective form: Referable. The reason that "referenceable" isn't included in other dictionaries is that the long-standing exact synonym "referable" already exists (since at least the 16th century), so there's no need for this new invention. --Pstraton (talk) 17:46, 1 October 2019 (UTC)


 * LOL an "unnecessary construct". Equinox ◑ 18:17, 1 October 2019 (UTC)


 * In other news, "gay" isn't "necessary" because we already had "homosexual". Good job stopping the lexicographical tide there, King Canute. Equinox ◑ 18:18, 1 October 2019 (UTC)