boccata

puff

noun bohk-KAH-tah Rare

Also means

mouthful

Usage Note

Boccata derives from bocca (mouth) and denotes a single mouthful of air, smoke, or liquid. The fixed phrase una boccata d'aria (a breath of fresh air) is very common figuratively — meaning a welcome relief. When used for smoke, una boccata di fumo refers to a single drag on a cigarette.

Examples

"Uscii per prendere una boccata d'aria."

Natural Translation

I went out to get a breath of fresh air.

Literal Translation

I-went-out to take a puff of air.

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