cassaforte

safe (strongbox)

noun kahs-sah-FOR-teh Rare

Origin: Compound of cassa (chest, from Latin capsa) + forte (strong); literally 'strong chest'.

Usage Note

Cassaforte has an irregular plural: le casseforti (note: the compound inflects on both elements — casse- + -forti). It refers to a locked metal strongbox for valuables, whether a wall safe (cassaforte a muro) or a freestanding vault. Do not confuse with cassa alone, which means a cash register or cashier's desk.

Examples

"I gioielli sono nascosti nella cassaforte."

Natural Translation

The jewels are hidden in the safe.

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