switchable

Switchable is an adjective used to describe something that can be switched between two or more states or configurations. It denotes a property, component, or system whose state can be changed by a control input such as a switch, actuator, sensor, or command. The term emphasizes the ability to alter behavior without replacing the device.

In electronics and electrical engineering, switchable components can be toggled to alter a circuit’s function. Examples include switchable power rails, mode-selectable regulators, or signal paths that can be routed differently. Software often uses the term to describe features or interfaces that can be enabled or disabled, sometimes for power saving or adaptability.

In materials science and chemistry, switchable materials show reversible changes in properties in response to external stimuli. Photo-switchable polymers, thermochromic coatings, and switchable solvents that change polarity or solvency with pH or light are notable examples. These materials enable applications in sensing, displays, energy storage, and chemical separations.

In user interface design, switchable features let users choose among modes, themes, languages, or accessibility options. The concept also appears in marketing to highlight configurability, though precise terminology may vary among fields, with alternatives such as toggleable, configurable, or reconfigurable.