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nano

dwarf

noun adjective NAH-noh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Sizes & Shapes

Origin: From Latin nanus, from Greek nânos ('dwarf').

Also means

tiny

Usage Note

Nano works as both a noun (un nano — a dwarf) and a postpositive adjective (stella nana — 'dwarf star'). As a prefix in technical Italian, nano- denotes nanotechnology or nanoscale units (e.g., nanotecnologia). The feminine is nana; plural nani/nane.

Examples

"Il giardino era decorato con nani di pietra."

Natural Translation

The garden was decorated with stone dwarfs.

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