grattacielo

skyscraper

noun graht-tah-CHEH-loh Rare

Origin: Calque of English 'skyscraper': grattare (to scrape) + cielo (sky).

Usage Note

Grattacielo is a compound noun (grattare + cielo) and its plural is grattacieli. It is invariably masculine. In everyday Italian it is the standard word for any very tall building; there is no separate word for 'high-rise' — context or size implies the distinction. The term entered Italian in the early 20th century alongside the first American skyscrapers.

Examples

"Il grattacielo più alto della città svetta sul porto."

Natural Translation

The tallest skyscraper in the city towers over the harbour.

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