clacson

car horn

noun KLAHK-son Rare

Origin: Klaxon, a brand name from Greek klazein (to shriek)

Usage Note

Clacson is an invariable masculine noun borrowed from the brand name Klaxon; it does not change in the plural — i clacson. It exclusively means a vehicle horn; the verb 'to honk' is suonare il clacson. The double-c spelling reflects Italian phonotactics.

Examples

"Il guidatore ha suonato il clacson."

Natural Translation

The driver honked the horn.

Literal Translation

The driver has sounded the horn.

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