inchiostro

ink

noun een-KYOS-troh Rare

Origin: Latin encaustum, from Greek enkauston (burned-in ink)

Usage Note

Inchiostro is the standard word for ink — for writing, printing, and squid ink (inchiostro di seppia). The plural inchiostri refers to inks of different types or colors. Inchiostro di seppia (sepia) is also a notable artistic pigment. Do not confuse with matita (pencil) or penna (pen).

Examples

"La penna ha esaurito l'inchiostro."

Natural Translation

The pen has run out of ink.

Literal Translation

The pen has exhausted the ink.

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