custode

custodian

noun koos-TOH-deh Rare

Origin: From Latin custos/custodis (guard, keeper); from an Indo-European root meaning to conceal or protect.

Also means

caretaker; guardian

Usage Note

Custode is an epicene noun — the same form for both sexes, distinguished by article: il custode / la custode. It covers a museum or building caretaker, a legal guardian (custode giudiziale), or a guardian in a figurative sense. The abstract noun is custodia (custody, care). Compare portiere (doorman/goalkeeper) and guardiano (watchman, zoo keeper).

Examples

"Il custode del museo apre le porte alle nove."

Natural Translation

The museum custodian opens the doors at nine.

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