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Glite Dictionary
bootable

bootable

3 4.2
Able to start a computer and run the program that controls it
  • adjective
  • /ˈbuːtəbl/
  • Specialized
: arrancable
  • I use a bootable Linux rescue CD like Trinity to fix the problem.
  • a bootable CD
  • a bootable USB drive
  • a bootable floppy

Examples

  • You can create a bootable USB drive to install the operating system on your computer.

  • We've got our Chrome OS Flex bootable media, so we'll just click on OK.

  • If you choose to create your own media, you will be able to create your own bootable USB.

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  • And the same error I got when I tried to install it from a bootable USB.

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  • I want to create a bootable installer from the existing system.

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  • Will it be possible to have the bootable main drive be external via the Thunderbolt port?

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  • One of the ways you can be very secure is by booting the computer with a bootable USB drive.

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  • The simplest way was to create a bootable Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8 USB key.

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  • OK, so this is a great tool, Rufus, for creating bootable thumb drives.

  • Another option would be to find a copy of "InstallESD.dmg" and create your own bootable Lion installer on a USB flash drive or SD card.

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Surface Forms

bootable positive

Morphology

bootable = boot (transparent) = boot + able

The adjective is a regular derivation from the verb 'boot' with the productive suffix '-able', meaning 'capable of being booted'; this is directly inferable for learners familiar with 'boot' in computing.

Etymology

Bootable comes from the word boot, which comes from the phrase bootstrap, an image of using a strap on a shoe to 'pull yourself up'. So a bootable drive is one that can 'start' a computer and load its system.