granito

granite

noun grah-NEE-toh Rare

Origin: From Italian granire (to grain), from grano (grain), referring to its grainy texture.

Usage Note

Granito is the rock, but in Sicily and southern Italy granita (feminine, a different word) is a semi-frozen drink — learners sometimes confuse them. The related adjective granitico means 'firm, unyielding' (un carattere granitico).

Examples

"Il piano della cucina è in granito nero."

Natural Translation

The kitchen countertop is in black granite.

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