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Webster 1913 Edition


Incompatible

Inˊcom-pat′i-ble

,
Adj.
[Pref.
in-
not +
compatible
: cf. F.
incompatible
.]
[It was formerly sometimes written
incompetible
.]
1.
Not compatible; so differing as to be incapable of harmonious combination or coexistence; inconsistent in thought or being; irreconcilably disagreeing;
as, persons of
incompatible
tempers;
incompatible
colors, desires, ambition.
A strength and obduracy of character
incompatible
with his meek and innocent nature.
Southey.
2.
(Chem.)
Incapable of being together without mutual reaction or decomposition, as certain medicines.
Syn. – Inconsistent; incongruous; dissimilar; irreconcilable; unsuitable; disagreeing; inharmonious; discordant; repugnant; contradictory. See
Inconsistent
.

Inˊcom-pat′i-ble

,
Noun.
(Med. & Chem.)
An incompatible substance; esp., in
pl.
, things which can not be placed or used together because of a change of chemical composition or of opposing medicinal qualities;
as, the
incompatibles
of iron
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Incompatible

INCOMPAT'IBLE

,
Adj.
[L. in and competo, to suit, to be proper or convenient; con and peto, to press toward, to seek, or press on. It was formerly incompetible.]
1.
Inconsistent; that cannot subsist with something else. Thus, truth and falsehood are essentially incompatible, as are virtue and vice. A degree of cold that congeals water is incompatible with vegetation. Dissipation is incompatible with health, reputation and virtue.
2.
Irreconcilably different or disagreeing; incongruous; as incompatible tempers.
3.
Legally or constitutionally inconsistent; that cannot be united in the same person, without violating the law or constitution. By our constitution, the offices of a legislator and of a judge are incompatible,as they cannot be held at the same time by the same person.