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miniatura

miniature

noun mee-nyah-TOO-rah Rare

Origin: Medieval Latin miniatura, from miniare (to illuminate with red lead), applied to small manuscript illustrations.

Usage Note

Miniatura refers to a very small-scale reproduction or painting, often associated with medieval illuminated manuscripts (miniature medievali). The phrase in miniatura means 'in miniature' or 'on a tiny scale.' As an adjective, in miniatura is invariable: una città in miniatura (a miniature city). The word is not a false friend with English — it aligns closely.

Examples

"Ha dipinto una miniatura su avorio."

Natural Translation

She painted a miniature on ivory.

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