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capitone

large eel

noun kah-pee-TOH-neh Rare

Usage Note

Capitone is a large female eel (Anguilla anguilla), traditionally eaten in southern Italy — especially Naples — on Christmas Eve (la Vigilia di Natale). It is deeply embedded in Neapolitan culinary tradition and is virtually unknown as food in northern Italy. The plural is capitoni.

Examples

"Il capitone fritto è tipico della vigilia a Napoli."

Natural Translation

Fried large eel is typical on Christmas Eve in Naples.

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