cerino

wax match; taper

noun cheh-REE-noh Rare

Usage Note

Cerino refers specifically to a wax match (a match with a wax-coated stem), distinguishing it from fiammifero (a common wooden match). It is also used for a thin wax candle or taper. The diminutive form cerino comes from cera (wax). In colloquial use, rimanere come un cerino ('to be left like a spent match') means to be left with nothing after a deal.

Examples

"Ha acceso la candela con un cerino."

Natural Translation

She lit the candle with a wax match.

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