tangible Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective perceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch
    touchable.
    • skin with a tangible roughness
  2. adjective satellite capable of being treated as fact
    real.
    • tangible evidence
    • his brief time as Prime Minister brought few real benefits to the poor
  3. adjective (of especially business assets) having physical substance and intrinsic monetary value
    • tangible property like real estate
    • tangible assets such as machinery
  4. adjective capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt
    palpable.
    • a barely palpable dust
    • felt sudden anger in a palpable wave
    • the air was warm and close--palpable as cotton
    • a palpable lie

WordNet

Tan"gi*ble adjective
Etymology
L. tangibilis, fr. tangere to touch: cf. F. tangible. See Tangent.
Definitions
  1. Perceptible to the touch; tactile; palpable. Bacon.
  2. Capable of being possessed or realized; readily apprehensible by the mind; real; substantial; evident. "A tangible blunder." Byron.
    Direct and tangible benefit to ourselves and others. Southey.
    -- Tan"gi*ble*ness, n. -- Tan"gi*bly, adv.

Webster 1913